Turkey does contain the amino acid tryptophan, which has been linked to making people feel sleepy in high enough doses. But University of Waterloo assistant professor Christian Euler says there's not enough tryptophan in turkey to make you want to nap and instead, the side dishes may be to blame. (Julie Van Rosendaal/CBC)
Are you feeling sleepy after a big fat holiday lunch? Don’t Blame The Turkey.
The usual culprit for this post-meal drowsiness is often attributed to turkey and its tryptophan content. Christian Euler, an assistant professor at the University of Waterloo specializing in metabolic engineering and biochemistry, says, it's a myth that needs to be broken. He adds, rather than curbing turkey intake, one should actually eat more of it.
Euler also says, that where there's protein, there is tryptophan, and various sources such as pork, beef, tofu, and quinoa contain higher levels than turkey. The professor suggests that the real culprit for the after-meal tiredness is the starchy sides commonly paired with turkey, such as mashed potatoes and stuffing.
When starches are consumed, they break down into sugar in the digestive system. This sugar enters the bloodstream, triggering an insulin release that allows cells to utilize the sugar for energy. Consuming a large amount of carbohydrates at once can lead to a significant insulin spike, causing a rapid rise and subsequent crash in blood sugar levels, resulting in fatigue.
Euler highlights that the association between turkey and sleepiness is a long-standing belief, and previous research has attempted to dispel this myth. Researchers in 2007 identified various health beliefs, including the notion that turkey induces fatigue, which needed critical examination. The study challenged the idea, emphasizing that the tiredness might be attributed to food fatigue or the consumption of alcohol with the meal.
According to Euler, to counteract post-meal fatigue, individuals should consider eating more turkey. He emphasizes that turkey is rich in protein, and combining protein with carbohydrates helps stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially reducing the tendency to feel sleepy after a holiday meal. In simpler terms, Euler suggests, "More turkey, less sleepy."
