Ever been blitzed out of your mind on turkey chemicals? According to mainstream popular belief, consumption of turkey meat can lead to drowsiness due to high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid.
While it is true that tryptophan is a precursor molecule for serotonin, a neurotransmitter (read: brain chemical) that plays a part in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, it isn't necessarily what is putting so many Americans into a "food coma" after the big meal.
The real culprits are more than likely large amounts of carbohydrates and alcohol, as well as large portions in general.
During digestion of a particularly large meal, blood will move to the digestive tract to aid in digestion. The rest of the body then, is at a slight deficit and drowsiness occurs.
Down the metabolic line, however, tryptophan will make its way to becoming melatonin, after three intermediaries. Melatonin, on the other hand, will cause drowsiness in the event that enough is directly consumed. Is this cause for a specific cut-back on turkey? Again, studies say no.
Furthermore, most meats contain levels of tryptophan similar to that of turkey.
This superstition may be linked to a series of tryptophan supplements released, and later banned, in the 1980s. It may also be a scapegoat, while the real cause of holiday drowsiness is over-eating.
So, this holiday season, don't expect NyQuil-style hypnotic effects from your bird, but don't expect to be okay to drive, either, if you plan on eating 5,000-6,000 calories in one day, as many Americans do.
The real solution to Thanksgiving drowsiness is just a little common sense and a little portion control.
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