Thursday 13 November 2008

Thanksgiving Turkey And Tryptophan - Busting An Insomnia Myth

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An ongoing myth is that the drowsiness felt after big meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas is due to the high levels of the amino-acid Tryptophan in Turkey Meat.

Tryptophan has a medically certified role in sleep, and is often used as a treatment for the symptoms of insomnia. While this is certainly found in your Thanksgiving Turkey meat the direct correlation between the two is a myth - here are the facts!

- Turkey meat actually contains no more tryptophan than any other meat, pound for pound.

- Carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread and potatoes which come with your Thanksgiving meal actually contain significantly more of this amino acid.

- Alcohol, often in the form of a glass of wine along with your meal, has a larger (and faster) effect than tryptophan... especially for those who are not used to drinking or do not normally drink during the daytime or early evening.

A myth busted - but make sure you all enjoy those Thanksgiving dinners.

Geoff.

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