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FALL 2009 |
HEALTHY BODIES | SOUND MINDS | A SAFE PLACE TO WORK |
| CONTENTS Features Maintain Don't Gain Path to Productivity Move from efficient to effective I Have to Take this Call Workplace cell phone etiquette The AHA Weighs in On Sugar Limit dietary “added sugars” Departments The Scoop Thanksgiving myth buster
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Not Talk'n Turkey
After your delicious Thanksgiving dinner comes the inevitable turkey-induced slumber. Or is turkey getting a bad rap? Here’s the real take on turkey.
 The myth: The belief is that because turkey contains tryptophan, the amino acid associated with causing drowsiness, eating turkey will make you sleepy. The facts: Turkey contains only a small amount of tryptophan (about 350 milligrams per 115 grams) – about the same as chicken and beef. In fact, pork and cheese actually contain more tryptophan per gram than does turkey. So why the post-turkey dinner doldrums? There are a number of possibilities, but most likely it’s because after a big meal, blood flow is redirected to your digestive system, temporarily reducing blood flow and oxygenation to other areas. Having a glass or two of holiday wine can also contribute to drowsiness. So eat up and enjoy your turkey dinner. Then, you might try taking a walk to redistribute blood flow and rev up your metabolism. Source: Medical Myths, BMJ 2007, Volume 335 |