Monday, February 29, 2016

Foods With L Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is known as a non-essential amino acid which means that the body can produce it naturally. According to author of the Healing Nutrients Within book Eric R. Braverman. This amino acid can be helpful for improving conditions such as addictions and act like an antidepressant. It can also aid in the fight against pain as well as help tone muscles and skin. L-tyrosine is essential to the structure of proteins within the body. In addition its components are precursor to certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This important amino acid can be found in a variety of foods.

Meats
There are a variety of meat sources that have L- Tyrosine in them. Foods that are rich in proteins can include lean beef as well as lean cuts of pork which could include a pork roast, or pork loin.  Poultry can include chicken and turkey although sources of wild game such as quail, duck and ostrich have high levels of Tyrosine as well.  Most fish have high levels including orange roughy, tuna, shrimp, and cod. Other meats can include lean cuts of lamb and veal.

Dairy
Dairy products can contain good levels of L- tyrosine. These foods can include egg whites, cottage cheese, white cheeses such as provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Milk is also a source of L- tyrosine. Because soy products contain a high source of this amino acid, soy milk can be beneficial as well.

Fruits and Vegetables
Seaweed has one of the highest levels of L-tyrosine. Green foods such as spinach, mustard greens, pumpkin leafs all have health amounts of tyrosine. Avocado and banana are a tasty way to get in a boost of tyrosine.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans and Grains

Whole grains such as wheat and oats are a good source of tyrosine. Kidney and lima beans are a nice source as is the soy bean and tofu. Nuts such as almonds and seeds such as sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds are another good source of this non-essential amino acid. 

Monday, February 8, 2016

Food Containing Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects the central nervous system. It is responsible for well being and calmness. Low levels of serotonin can have an impact on sleep, appetite, and mood. A deficiency of serotonin can be associated to mental-health issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, and bipolar disorder. Many people can take medications to increase their serotonin; however, there are certain foods that can boost your serotonin levels.

Tryptophan and Tyrosine Foods
Tryptophan is an amino acid that converts to serotonin, and the body cannot produce it; therefore, we need to obtain it through from the foods we eat. Foods high in proteins such as poultry and lean meats, milk, eggs, cheese, flaxseed, and nuts have generous amounts of tryptophan and several servings should be eaten daily. Tyrosine is an amino acid that supports neurotransmitters in the brain. It is a precursor of dopamine, adrenaline, and epinephrine. Foods rich in tyrosine include egg whites, seaweed, soy products, poultry, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, and cheese.

B Vitamin Foods
The B vitamins are important for brain development and the manufacturing of neurotransmitters including serotonin. Foods that contain vitamin B1 (thiamine) include whole-grain cereals and breads, lean red meat, egg yolks, and green leafy vegetables. B2 (riboflavin) can be found in meats and dairy as well as peas. B6 (pyridoxine) foods include buckwheat, spinach, bell peppers, bananas, poultry and fish. Folic acid is a B vitamin used by the body to make serotonin. Some foods that have folic acid include broccoli, spinach, strawberries, lentils, chickpeas, melons, and asparagus. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can increase your serotonin production.
Carbohydrate Foods
Carbohydrates can stimulate serotonin; therefore, eating low-glycemic carbohydrates can increase serotonin. These foods can include brown rice, buckwheat, whole-grains, sweet potato, wheat pastas, and whole-grain cereals.
Essential Fatty Acids Foods
Essential fatty acids are needed for serotonin production. Foods high in omega fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and herring, walnuts and almonds, dark green leafy vegetables, soybean, olive and flaxseed oil, lean meats.


There are many foods that contain serotonin. Be sure to use the food pyramid to determine the correct amount of proteins and grains you should eat in your daily diet. Some nutritionists suggest that people eat a lunch that is rich in tryptophan, and then eat a carb/grain meal in the evening. By following this model people will be less likely to overeat and serotonin levels will more than likely rise.