What is 5-HTP? What’s the importance of 5-HTP for vegetarians? If you are a vegetarian, I encourage you to read this article.
5-HTP
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a Tryptophan metabolite. It means that Tryptophan which is essential amino acid breaking down to produce 5-HTP. In the brain, 5-HTP converts into serotonin. Serotonin itself has a very important role for brain performance, especially in controlling sleep, memory, appetite, learning, mood, temperature regulation, sexual behavior, etc. People with low serotonin tend to have weak immune system, they’re easy to get depression, stress and sleep disorders.
How to obtain Tryptophan
5-HTP is produced by Tryptophan. Unfortunately, the only way to obtain Tryptophan is from high protein foods which are mostly derived from animal sources, such as eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, milk, cheese, salmon and crab. Vegetarians certainly won’t eat animals. That’s why most vegetarians are lacking 5-HTP and serotonin; they often have weak immune system.
5-HTP supplement for vegetarians
Since vegetarians don’t eat foods from animal sources, they must lack Tryptophan, 5-HTP and serotonin. They’re at high risk of suffering from depression, stress, sleep disorders and other problems caused by low serotonin.
Some plants actually contain Tryptophan, for examples: spinach, soybeans, sesame seeds, tofu, pumpkin seeds, bananas, quinoa and lentin. In order to prevent low serotonin, vegetarians should include those plants into their daily diet.
An easy alternative solution for vegetarians is taking 5-HTP supplement. Fortunately, 5-HTP supplement is made from the seed pods of West African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It’s 100% vegetable and natural, containining no animal ingredients at all. Vegetarians can take the supplement without any worry for obtaining the right amount of 5-HTP in their body.
Being a vegetarian or vegan is noble, but don’t let this lifestyle undermines your overall health. Provide your body’s needs by eating nutritious foods. And remember to take 5-HTP. The supplement will really work for you!