Cinco De Mayo is the day to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. But in America, most people know it as the day to drink discounted margaritas and eat guacamole. But before you dawn a sombrero just yet, consider how these drinks and foods found in classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas and tacos affect your sleep.
Beans:
Legumes like the black and pinto beans often found in Mexican dishes can help you get a good night’s sleep. Why? They have tryptophan in them, an amino acid that gets converted into melatonin, a hormone that regulates our circadian rhythms.
Guacamole:
Guac costs extra at Chipotle, but did you know it can help you sleep well? Avocados are high in magnesium, a relaxing mineral that is key in sleep. According to the Alaska Sleep Clinic, “A lack of magnesium can be directly linked to difficulty going and staying asleep. Magnesium is often referred to as the sleep mineral.”
Cheese:
Who doesn’t love cheese on their tacos? Even my lactose intolerant self endures the stomach pain for the love of cheese on this holiday. Like beans, cheese also contains tryptophan which induces sleep. So go crazy on the extra cheese this Friday.
What to avoid?
Margaritas:
Everyone knows by now that alcohol can help you fall asleep, but multiple studies show that it disrupts sleep. This is the case for all alcohol, not just May margs. Maybe think twice before you have that nightcap, and take those tequila shots well before bedtime.
Most of these staple ingredients in Mexican dishes can actually help you have a better sleep. So happy eating, and happy Cinco de Mayo!
