What you should know about the hormone melatonin: it is produced in the pineal gland in our brain. It is mainly released during the night. Also, it is regulating the sleep-wake-rhythm. Therefore, it is mainly known as “sleeping hormone”. But, melatonin has other, vital functions. Some even talk about miraculous effects of melatonin. Learn here more about them.
Miraculous effects of melatonin
Radical catcher
At night, while we are asleep, the hormone acts as radical catcher and cares for cell protection. Amongst other things, free radicals are responsible for brittle blood vessels that calcify. Furthermore, free radicals can destroy genetic information in the cell core – cancer might arise. Also, the protection from free radicals positively influences the aging process. All these things make melatonin a very important antioxidant.
Immune system
Also, important regeneration processes take place while we are sleeping. The energy reserves are refilled. Furthermore, during phases of deep sleep the immune system is strengthened. Here, antibodies are produced and information about pathogens are stored.
Low stress level
Melatonin is the opponent of adrenalin and cortisol. When we are stressed, we release more cortisol. And this negatively affects heart beat and pumping pressure; they become increased. Are you under long-term stress, high blood pressure might arise.
Maintenance of circadian rhythm
Melatonin is influencing the daily rhythm of biological functions like body temperature, pulse frequency, but also metabolic processes and kidney functions.
Memory
Melatonin positively influences our memory. It supports processing of the daily impressions and experiences. Besides storing of motoric, cognitive and executive tasks memory formation takes place during the night.
Imagesource: @fotolia
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