That's how it is. According to Judith Wurtman, a researcher at the Institute of Technology of Massachusetts (MIT), l protein as eggs, meat or fish bring to the tyrosine brain, an amino acid that increases the production of neurotransmitters that keep the mind alert, focused and productive (dopamine and norepinephrine). When tyrosine levels drop we suffer from apathy and lack of motivation.
If proteins manage to wake us up and accelerate thinking, relaxation usually comes from the hand of carbohydrates (potatoes, pasta, rice, honey, bananas, nuts, popcorn …). These foods induce the release of insulin , which removes almost all amino acids from the blood except tryptophan, which has a calming effect . As Judith's husband, Richard Wurtman, a neuroendocrinologist who also works at MIT, has shown, tryptophan is the raw material that the brain uses to produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter of well-being, which also reduces pain and appetite and helps To fall asleep. Of course, as Wurtman warns, it must be borne in mind that, if carbohydrates are mixed with proteins in the dish, the calming effect of the former is canceled.
