Health - Wellness
Eat This Popular Protein To Ease Nagging Anxiety
By ERIN MARIE
Tryptophan is a natural amino acid found in protein. It aids in serotonin production, the "feel-good" hormone that is vital for regulating mood, happiness, and anxiety.
Turkey is particularly rich in tryptophan. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 100-gram serving of cooked turkey breast contains about 287 milligrams of tryptophan.
Per a 2016 Archives of Psychiatric Nursing study, young adults consuming a tryptophan-rich diet exhibited lower anxiety scores compared to those on a diet without it.
For those who don't like turkey, roasted chicken is an excellent alternative. A 100-gram serving of chicken meat provides 292 milligrams of tryptophan — more than turkey.
While adding tryptophan-rich foods to the diet can help with anxiety management, it shouldn't substitute for professional medical advice and treatment for mental health conditions.