A study was conducted at the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition to determine the effect of substances contained in eggs on human feelings and actions. The results of the study are published on the website of the National Center for Biotechnology.
The fact is that eggs contain amino acids that contribute to the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin – it is an active chemical that, in large quantities, causes feelings of pleasure and stimulates social behavior. Conversely, people with insufficient levels of serotonin are prone to irritability and social isolation.
One of the most important amino acids found in eggs, as well as milk and fish, is tryptophan. According to a study, tryptophan can make people more generous.
Scientists came to this conclusion after conducting an experiment involving 32 people. The test subjects underwent various tests, after which half of them were given a powder containing 0.8 g of tryptophan (this amount of a substance is found in three eggs), and the other half received a powder without tryptophan.
After that, all subjects received 10 euros. They could donate money to one of the presented charitable foundations. And here's what's interesting: the foundations received twice as many donations from participants who were given tryptophan powder.
Scientists have not yet been able to explain the mechanism of the effect of tryptophan on human behavior. One suggestion is that serotonin, which is produced by tryptophan, somehow also affects oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Scientists reason this assumption by the fact that the parts of the brain responsible for serotonin and oxytocin are located nearby.
The mechanism of action of tryptophan is for further study, however, some psychologists are already suggesting an increase in the amount of eggs and milk in the diet of prisoners in order to reduce their aggressive mood and somewhat soften relations between prisoners.
Source estet-portal.com
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