Appeal 4 Alfie Charity CookBook Launch.

    
 

 Tryptophan

 Traditionally the beginning of January is a time when a lot of people are focused on their New Years resolutions such as getting fit or losing weight so feeling a little deprived and down with life. With this in mind we thought we'd talk to you about the amino acid Tryptophan.

Amino acids are said to be the building blocks of life and they are, in fact, the building blocks of protein. Protein is essential for growth and repair, in other words, without a full complement of amino acids every 48 hours your body has no capacity for repairing day-to-day damage or grow new cells to replace old, worn out ones.

Tryptophan is the mood elevating amino acid that also helps you to sleep better, helps to regulate your appetite and suppresses sweet cravings.

If you are suffering from aggression, insomnia, depression or are trying to get on top of sweet cravings you will find huge benefit from eating plenty of high tryptophan foods such as: bananas, chicken, cottage cheese, fish, legumes (beans and peas), lentils, oats, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and turkey.

Chicken is by far the richest source and we would always recommend that you choose organic chicken as non-organic chicken is usually loaded with antibiotics and hormones that will upset your body's own hormones.

   

Chicken Soup for the Soul.

2 organic skinless chicken breast fillets

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

850ml chicken stock

3 tbsp coconut milk

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Whole basil leaves