The Truth on a Thanksgiving Myth

[Vihzel]

Did you know that L-tryptophan in turkey doesn't actually make you sleepy? There is more L-tryptophan in chicken than there is in turkey, yet no one feels unusually sleepy after eating BBQ wings or even thinks twice that it's the chicken that's making them sleepy after a large meal.

What L-tryptophan is used for is simply to create niacin, a B vitamin, that is important for digestion, skin and nerves, and serotonin. Serotonin contributes to the myth in that it plays a large role in mood and contributes to the feeling of well-being and relaxation.

Perhaps that peace and relaxation feeling is interpreted to be as "sleepy", especially with the widespread belief that L-tryptophan makes you sleepy.

What makes you sleepy?

- digestion of a large meal, especially one high in fats and carbohydrates
- alcohol (if consumed)
- time of day (especially if near your regular bedtime)
- positive mood and relaxation

Anyways, impress your family/friends with this knowledge!

Credit to WebMD for the L-tryptophan info.

 

[Xyro]

Did you know that L-tryptophan in turkey doesn't actually make you sleepy?

I think it's correct that overeating is really the cause. However, the situation is more complicated (and interesting) than that, apparently. If you look at one of the reasons why carbohydrate rich meals make you sleepy, you come back to tryptophan again.

I (very briefly) read up on this, and it seems to be that the carbohydrate vs. protein ratio of the meal is important.

High protein (a.k.a amino acid) levels: Tryptophan crosses the blood/brain barrier at a low rate due to competition from other amino acids.

High carbohydrate levels: Insulin is released and (among other things) causes muscle cells to uptake the other amino acids. Tryptophan enters the brain at a higher rate due to lack of competition and this leads to increased serotonin levels and so on, hence the feeling of sleepiness.

So if your thanksgiving meal is especially carbohydrate rich, it doesn't matter that turkey's tryptophan levels aren't as high as everyone believes - you make better use of what is there.

 

[melim]

It's actually much simpler than all of that. Being around so many relatives at once is just exhausting.

 

[richphitzwell]

The real cause is the alien pilgrims and aliean Indians are keeping us down. Source southpark