Tryptophan:
One Essential Amino Acid

The amino acid tryptophan proves essential for happiness

This important amino acid (trip-to-fan) synthesizes the neurotransmitter serotonin in your central nervous system.

Serotonin is known to trigger your appetite, help you sleep, and enhance your mood.

A few high fiber foods do provide this particular essential amino acid, even though the highest sources are animal-based foods.

• Soy bean and soy bean products
• Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• Blackeye peas
• Flax seeds
• Spinach
• Buckwheat
• Bananas

No matter which source supplies this amino acid protein, to feel the magic of the serotonin mood enhancer, you must include healthy, high fiber foods.

You need carbohydrates (the leafy green vegetables and whole grains) to stimulate the hormone insulin. Your body requires insulin to push serotonin across the blood-brain barrier. Without a proper mix of amino acid protein blocks and high fiber carbohydrate in your diet, serotonin is left standed on the wrong side of the barrier.

Want to make the most of your meal?
Combine protein with carbohydrates to turn on your happy transmitter.