Researchers have discovered that an amino acid called tryptophan helps people to sleep because when it is broken down it produces serotonin, which makes people feel good and melatonin, which the body secretes to make sleep as the light fades in the evening.
Serotonin is a major regulator of mood as well as having many other function in the central nervous system.
Tryptophan has also been shown to reduce moderate pain, both chronic and temporary. A tryptophan poor diet increases sensitivity to pain, Tryptophan has been shown to augment the pain relief brought about by endorphin release.
Shrimps, scallops, cod, chicken , turkey are ideal protein sources of tryptophan. Sunflower seeds and sesame seeds also contain tryptophan. Many fruits, such as bananas and mangoes contain tryptophan.
Tryptophan in food sources exists in protein as part of chains of amino acids which are bound together in their amide form.
Amino acid of tryptophan
