Is Melatonin Plant Based?

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycles. People who find trouble falling asleep need melatonin supplementation. This supplement is known to be a natural sleep aid and benefits the health in several ways. However, a lot of people want to find out whether they can supplement on melatonin when following a plant-based diet. 

So, is melatonin plant based? No, melatonin is not plant based because it is made in laboratory settings through chemical processing. Melatonin supplements often contain toxic substances, animal components and other ingredients that may not fit a plant-based diet.

Read on to find out whether there is a plant-based substitute for melatonin that goes well with your diet. 

Top 3 Melatonin Substitutes For A Plant Based Diet

Though melatonin is known to be a natural sleep aid, there is no way to ensure that the supplements are suitable for your diet, unless they are made out of purely plant-based ingredients. There are some products that claim not to contain animal-derived ingredients but they are still largely processed in laboratories and are far from being appropriate for a plant-based diet. 

When you are on a wholesome diet, it is best to use natural options for melatonin supplementation. Several foods like bananas provide nutrients your body needs to produce serotonin and melatonin for natural sleep aid and vital body functioning.

Bananas

Not just a powerful dairy replacement for plant-based diets, bananas are also great at helping you sleep. These fruits contain natural complex carbs, magnesium and vitamin B6 that help produce serotonin. They are also rich in an amino acid responsible for serotonin production and relaxation. 

All these nutrients contained in bananas help the body fall asleep faster. Regular intake of bananas on a plant-based diet helps the body develop a good sleep-wake cycle. You can make a nice banana ice-cream for dessert or simply snack on one before going to bed. 

Oats

This superfood is not just healthy for your heart but also helps the body produce melatonin naturally. Even if you eat oats as the first meal of the day, they help promote relaxation and help the nervous system function properly. Oats are rich in a multitude of vitamins and minerals including complex carbs, potassium, amino acids, magnesium and B vitamins to help regulate your sleep cycle. 

Try to include oats in your daily diet by pairing them with your favorite plant-based ingredients. If you don’t like eating oats in the morning, you can consume them as a delicious recipe for dinner. Add vegetables to make them more fiber and nutrient-rich. 

Cherries

Popular for melatonin-inducing effects, cherries are good for the heart, digestion and inflammation. Sweet, dark cherries are known to help fall asleep faster and keep sleeping for longer. The fruit should be consumed whole as an ingredient in your favorite recipes. You can make smoothie or ice-cream as well to add it to your daily diet. You can simply have a bowl of cherries before bed or blend with bananas to make a naturally-sweet ice-cream.