Most people are familiar with the stupor that sets in moments after finishing a Thanksgiving feast. Grandpa loosens his belt and takes a nap while the rest of the family gathers around the TV to watch some football. For years, people have chalked this up to the consumption of tryptophan-rich turkey meat. It’s more likely that the combination of massive carbs – those heaping portions of mashed potatoes – and alcoholic beverages contributes to the post-meal snoozefest.
In fact, a metabolite form of tryptophan known as 5 htp is widely touted for its antidepressant effects. Counter intuitively, the substance works as an appetite suppressant. In other words, you would have ingested far less turkey at dinner if you had taken a 5 htp supplement beforehand. Next time you hear someone giving tryptophan a bad rap, remind them of some of its considerable health benefits.

