It’s not the sugar! Research published in Neuron, scientific journal, 11/19/2011 issue, has shown that protein and not sugar activates the cells accountable for
keeping us awake and burning calories. This information is like gold. Keep
reading…
Energy and
alertness even during the 2 o’clock slump rely heavily on orexin cells. These cells secrete a stimulant, orexin, in
the brain. Reduced activity in the
orexin cells can result in narcolepsy and weight gain.
Proteins
contain nutrients referred to as amino acids found in protein products such as
egg whites. Proteins-amino acids arouse
orexin neurons. Electrical impulses
emitted by orexin stimulate alertness and inform the body to burn
calories. In contrast, sugar-glucose has
been found to block orexin cells, causing after-meal sleepiness.
What is the link
between proteins and sugars? Aminio
acids stop glucose from blocking orexin cells.
In other words, protein “kills” negative effects of sugar. Protein laden meals make one less sleepy and
more alert than carbohydrate meals.
I find it
amazing that we can establish the activity level of select brain cells by deciding
on which foods we will eat. In essence,
we determine our own alertness and energy levels.
More research
needs to be done to decide how diet affects sleep and obesity. If given a choice of a bagel with jam or egg whites,
choose the egg whites. The protein will
tell the body to burn more calories. Feel the burn!
No comments:
Post a Comment