Why does turkey make one sleepy?

Question

Why does turkey make one sleepy?

Answer 1

It has tryptophan in it. It is a natural sedative found in turkey meat.

Answer 2

Turkey meat contains a lot of an amino acid called L-tryptophan.  Amino acids are the "building blocks" for the proteins that make up our muscles and other important parts of our bodies. (L-tryptophan is just one kind of amino acid — there are many different kinds of amino acids in the foods we eat.)  

When we eat foods that contain L-tryptophan, this amino acid travels in the blood from the digestive system and later enters the brain. The brain then changes the L-tryptophan into another chemical called serotonin. Serotonin calms us down and helps us sleep. But scientists now know that L-tryptophan can really only make a person tired right away if it is eaten or taken by itself without any amino acids. And the protein in turkey contains plenty of other amino acids!

Hope This Helps!

Answer 3

I have never heard that it was, but usually when we eat turkey we eat lots of other very rich things. So perhaps it is the total experience of a particularly rich meal.

Answer 4

tryptophan is the usual assumed culprit, but i seen one of those morning news pundits claim it was just generally overeating during the holiday season. scientifically, i don't have any experiments to prove or disprove either theory.

Answer 5

Wow, I'm surprised an answer already exists!

http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/FoodSafety/f...