Tryptophan Effects
Almost synonymous for the word turkey, tryptophan is as Thanksgiving as pumpkin pie. Said to be responsible for the entire couch -napping male population after Thanksgiving dinner, tryptophan affects the levels of serotonin in the brain, inducing a feeling of sleepiness.
So what exactly is it about tryptophan that brings on slumber? The answer lies in the chemical composition of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body needs, and could be found in foods rich in protein content such as poultry, eggs, chocolate, and cheeses. Being an essential amino acid means that it is critical to health and body function; however it is not an amino acid that the body can make on its own. For this reason, food is the only source of this dietary staple, and turkey is an excellent source of it.
Tryptophan also shows promise as an effective anti-depressant and well as PMS aid. Serotonin, a hormone that causes a feeling of calm and peace is increased in the presence of tryptophan. This increased level of serotonin induces sleepiness. It is considered by some as one of the greatest natural sleep aids.
While tryptophan is a promoter of sleep, often the sleep that results from Turkey Day over- indulgence is from over-loading on carbohydrates and alcohol. Portion control and loading up on vegetables as opposed to stuffing are the best weight loss tips for Thanksgiving.
Remembering that the best way to lose weight is through diet and exercise, taking a long walk outside with family and friends after dinner is a great way to bond and work off that extra slice of pie!
Tags: best way to lose weight, natural sleep aids, Tryptophan, weight loss tips