Should you drink milk before bed time and herbal milk recipes that promote sleep

As kids we often made excuses not to drink that tall glass of milk, just because we didn't like the taste. But with age we realized how a glass full of milk can fulfill the body's nutritional requirements.

Since ages, we have heard a lot about drinking milk before going to bed and how it helps in giving you a sound sleep, but is it actually good or is it just another myth passed on through generations.

Interestingly, it has been a matter of debate for years and has its own set of pros and cons. So, here's a low down on whether you should or shouldn't drink milk before hitting the pillow. Apart from that, here are a few yummy age-old milk recipes to make your bedtime drink even more delicious and nutritious.

Packed with the goodness of calcium, sodium, fibers, proteins, vitamins A, K and B12, fats, amino acids and antioxidants, milk is a perfect immunity boosting natural drink that gives your body ample nutrition. Drinking milk before sleeping works as a great energy booster and gives your body the much needed nutrition, when you wake up for the next day. In fact, drinking milk before bed time helps in improving mental as well as physical health.

A warm glass of milk before bed can not only induce sleep, but at the same time can keep you satiated throughout the night so that you don’t feel the need to gobble up something at midnight. However, if you want to lose weight then keeping a check on the portion and going for a low-fat milk is the best way to manage weight.

Milk is packed with components that help in inducing a good sound sleep. Drinking a glass of milk before bed time can help in releasing these components in the body that will help you fall asleep- Tryptophan and Melatonin.

Tryptophan is an amino acid found in foods rich in proteins, it helps in releasing serotonin, which helps in inducing sleep and relieving stress and anxiety. Melatonin helps in regulating a healthy sleep cycle. These two compounds in milk help in calming the mind from stress, anxiety and depression. Hence, a glass of milk before bed time is great for your mental health.

Since ages, milk has been one of the most essential parts of our diet. Even in the books of Ayurveda, there has been a mention of milk used as therapy for relieving several ailments, when mixed with certain spices and herbs. It has been found that adding the right ingredients to milk can amp up its health quotient and help the body in dealing with several disorders. Here are a few interesting milk recipes that are not only effective in adding more nutrition to your milk but at the same time can induce a sound sleep.

Turmeric milk is one of the most popular home remedy. Since ages, this wonder drink has been known for its healing properties. Turmeric is packed with goodness of curcumin , which helps in relaxing the nerves, muscles strain and helps in inducing sleep. Take one cup milk and add in a pinch of turmeric and a pinch of cardamom powder and be ready for a sound sleep.

Ashwagandha Milk also known as Pink moon milk is a miraculous sleep inducing blend, which helps in calming and healing the stress, anxiety, insomnia and other sleep related issues. This miraculous herbs is great for brain health. Just 1/2 a teaspoon of this magical herb can work wonders. Take one cup milk and add in 1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder, along with some sugar and you are good to go. In fact, this herb has a warm nature so make sure you don't add too much off it.

Since ages, this miraculous spice has been used for its medicinal properties. Right from being an immunity booster to an aphrodisiac, adding a few strands of saffron to your milk will not only induce sleep, but will also help in healing the nervous system. Saffron is known for improving mental well being and conditions like depression and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease. To make this drink, just take a glass of warm milk, add in 3 strands with some sugar, stir well and relish!