Tryptophan Isn’t What Puts You Under on Thanksgiving. It’s the Carbs

Every year, after indulging in a Thanksgiving feast, many people blame their drowsiness on the turkey, specifically the amino acid tryptophan. However, research shows that it’s actually the hefty amount of carbohydrates consumed during the meal that leads to that post-dinner slump.

Carbohydrates trigger the release of insulin, which helps transport tryptophan to the brain where it can be converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep.

In fact, turkey contains similar amounts of tryptophan as other meats, and many foods like cheese and nuts actually contain more tryptophan than turkey does.

So next time you start feeling sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal, remember that it’s not the tryptophan in the turkey, but rather the carbohydrates that are to blame.

While it’s true that tryptophan has a mild sedative effect, the real culprit behind that post-feast crash is the combination of carbohydrates and overeating, not the turkey itself.

So, enjoy your Thanksgiving meal without worrying about the tryptophan making you too sleepy. Just remember to pace yourself and maybe skip that second helping of mashed potatoes!

Overall, it’s a combination of factors that contribute to that Thanksgiving food coma, but blaming it all on tryptophan is simply a myth.

So, this Thanksgiving, when you find yourself reaching for that third slice of pumpkin pie, remember that it’s not the turkey that’s bringing on the nap, but rather those delicious carbs.