| Would you like to boost your health with a natural antioxidant that has the power to ward off cancer, balance your mood and fight obesity? You already have it in your blood — and in cells throughout your body.
This miracle substance is melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Scientists are learning more and more about the many ways this important chemical supports well-being. Our natural supply of melatonin is produced in the pineal gland. This cone-shaped gland located in the center of the brain is about the size of a grain of rice. The pineal gland metabolizes melatonin from the essential amino acid tryptophan, which is found in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and seeds. The pineal gland releases melatonin in the dark of night — hence its association with sleep. Exposure to light suppresses melatonin production. This points to the crucial relationship between melatonin levels, sleep habits and overall health. But melatonin is much more than a sleep hormone. It is a key player in mental health, immunity and body weight.Dr. Barbara Smith |
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