Smart Protein

Protein is vital to muscle health and growth, but did you know its also vital to brain function? A protein-deficient diet can not only affect your muscles’ ability to repair damage, but it can also affect the neurotransmitters that are responsible for motivation, tranquility, frustration, focus and many other chemical functions. Proteins play a significant role in brain heath in many ways. One way that proteins help the brain function is by acting as a guide for nerve cells heading to their correct locations. Protein also guides the cell bodies and long axons that extend from nerve cell bodies towards nerve cells. Another way that protein affects brain function is through amino acids. One amino acid that has a direct impact on the brain is tryptophan. Tryptophan is found in many proteins from lobster to turkey. Tryptophan creates a feeling of calm, contentment and sleepiness. Find the Tryptophan amounts in the protein you are eating here.  A protein diet can also have amino acids that have the opposite affect on a person’s mood.  Tyrosine is an amino acid that creates alertness and energy. Tyrosine promotes and encourages neurons to create norepinephrine and dopamine. Check out Whole Food Catalogue which has a list of protein-rich foods that have a tyrosine content. Tryptophan and Tyrosine are just two examples of amino acids found in proteins we consume. Both are critical to how we feel and perform. To ensure that your brain is being provided the amino acids it requires to function properly, keep a balanced and diverse diet. Know what you eat and reflect on how your body feels after meals.     

sources:

http://wholefoodcatalog.info/nutrient/tyrosine/foods/

http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/proteins.html

http://wholefoodcatalog.info/nutrient/tryptophan/foods/