Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, that is, that the body cannot produce and must be obtained from food, this amino acid helps to synthesize serotonin, known as ‘pleasure hormone’, melatonin and niacin and is therefore associated with the treatment and prevention of depression., anxiety, insomnia and may even help in the weight loss process.
Tryptophan can be found in certain foods such as bitter chocolate and nuts, but it can also be purchased from pharmacies as it exists as a dietary supplement, but should only be consumed under the supervision of a nutritionist or physician.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that participates in several metabolic functions, serving to:
The effects and therefore the benefits of Tryptophan occur because this amino acid helps to form the hormone Serotonin which is critical to preventing stress disorders such as depression and anxiety.In addition, Tryptophan is used to treat pain, bulimia, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, chronic fatigue and PMS.
The hormone serotonin helps in the formation of the hormone melatonin that regulates the rhythm of the body’s internal biological clock, improving the quality of sleep, since melatonin is produced during the night.
Tryptophan can be found in foods like cheese, eggs, pineapple, tofu, salmon, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, Brazil nuts, avocados, peas, potatoes, and bananas. Discover other foods rich in tryptophan.
Tryptophan can also be found as a dietary supplement in capsules, tablets, or as a powder, sold in health food stores, pharmacies, or drug stores.
Tryptophan is being thinned because, by producing Serotonin, it helps to control anxiety that often leads to compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of food.The reduction in Serotonin synthesis has been associated with an increased appetite for carbohydrates.
Food is often associated with feelings, so in states of anxiety and depression you can consume foods that give more pleasure and are more caloric, such as chocolate, which helps increase Serotonin production and the feeling of pleasure.
If tryptophan foods are ingested during the daily diet, the need to compensate for Serotonin production by overconsumption of chocolate or other foods that increase pleasure is lower, which is why Tryptophan intake is related to weight loss.