Chocolate contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid and mood enhancer that cannot be synthesized in the body; it must be part of the diet. Tryptophan is a biochemical precursor to several compounds, including serotonin. An imbalance in serotonin is thought to be one cause of depression.
There are many sources of tryptophan, but chocolate is by far one of the most pleasurable to consume! Other sources include: oats, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, red meat, eggs, fish, poultry, sesame, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, and peanuts.
Some people use tryptophan from dietary supplements to enhance sleep, but there is considerable disagreement in the research on this. Tryptophan in turkey is said to be the cause of drowsiness following a large Thanksgiving meal, but the levels of tryptophan in turkey are actually similar to those found in other types of meat.
Tryptophan also helps prevent a niacin deficiency (Vitamin B3). Niacin helps to control cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar, and help the body to process fat.
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