Why You Need Melatonin In Your Diet (Other Than For Sleep) + An MD's Go-To Foods

However! Cardiologist and New York Times bestselling author Steven Gundry, M.D., says melatonin has another, equally important, role to play. And it has nothing to do with catching Zzz's: "It turns out, melatonin may be the most important antioxidant1 for mitochondria [health]," he says on the mindbodygreen podcast.

As for where melatonin comes in, "Mitochondria will actually manufacture melatonin," Gundry says, and research shows melatonin also has a protective effect, able to help maintain mitochondrial function2. "Melatonin reduces mitochondrial fission and increases their fusion, thereby preserving their normal function," the report reads. Needless to say, melatonin's benefits extend way beyond a good night's rest. 

Below, find his favorites: 

Pistachios happen to be Gundry's all-time favorite nut, just because of their high melatonin content. In fact, one analysis conducted by researchers at Louisiana State University and American Pistachio Growers found that pistachios contain about 660 nanograms of melatonin per gram—a remarkably higher number than other fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. 

Olive oil is beloved for its healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin profile, but Gundry says don't sleep on its melatonin content. "A lot of the things that we've attributed to the Mediterranean diet as being healthy, like olive oil, these are remarkable sources of melatonin," he explains. In fact, research shows that among the phytochemicals and polyphenols rife within the Mediterranean diet menu, melatonin might add another layer of protective effects3. 

That doesn't mean you must guzzle down glasses of wine to reap the benefits, though—you can also consume melatonin through grape-related foodstuffs, like grape juice and grape vinegar, according to another review. 

While melatonin is largely associated with sleep, it has significant benefits for your mitochondrial health—which, in case you didn't know, powers literally every cell in your body. That said, it's vital for pretty much every function, and while you do produce melatonin naturally, it doesn't hurt to reap the benefits of a few rich food sources.