Tryptophan
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Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. A natural relaxant, Tryptophan helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep. Tryptophan also is said to reduce anxiety and depression. Tryptophan helps in the treatment of migraine headaches; helps the immune system; helps reduce the risk of artery and heart spasms; works with Lysine in reducing cholesterol levels. |
5-HTP and Tryptophan
A derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, the nutrient 5-HTP is converted into serotonin, the "feel good" neurotransmitter. "Serotonin promotes a sense of well-being, decreases depression, and makes the glass look half full -- and 5-HTP helps the body synthesize more serotonin in a more natural way. It's also a great sleep promoter, lengthening and deepening sleep; it appears to promote the particularly restorative stage-four deep, dreamless sleep, when growth hormone is released" There's also evidence that 5-HTP decreases carbohydrate cravings.
Generally all seeds, nuts and most vegetables contain tryptophan. The best sources of this amino acid, however, are bajra, barley, finger millet, colocasia, sweet potatoes, cashew nuts, mangoes, papayas, and milk.
Debunking the Tryptophan Myth
"Turkey does contain tryptophan, an amino acid which is a natural sedative. But tryptophan doesn't act on the brain unless it is taken on an empty stomach with no protein present, and the amount gobbled even during a holiday feast is generally too small to have an appreciable effect. That lazy, lethargic feeling so many are overcome by at the conclusion of a festive season meal is most likely due to the combination of drinking alcohol and overeating a carbohydrate-rich repast..."
Source: Urban Legends Reference Pages: The Big Sleep
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