It’s time for a quick science lesson, courtesy of National Geographic. Here’s the deal — you can’t use
trypotphan as an excuse when you pass out after stuffing up on turkey tomorrow. When it’s time to drive home, no
pulling the “I’ve overdosed on tryptophan,” okay? You can drive just fine (unless you’ve had too much beer, wine or
scotch, of course) and it’s time this poor amino acid gets some holiday respect.
According to researchers,
eating turkey on Thanksgiving
will not make you tired, and, in fact, the often-blamed substance it contains might actually aid in the treatment
of depression and multiple sclerosis. While it is true that purified tryptophan is a mild sleep-inducer and natural
sedative (used by some to combat serious jet lag), there is no way it can induce anything at all on a full tummy, since
it only works on an empty stomach! Snopes has debunked
this too, so rest assured, if you fall asleep after dinner, it’s either because the football game is over or your
distant relatives are boring as heck. Just don’t blame it on the turkey!