Two amino acids that are especially useful for the brain are tryptophan and tyrosine.  They affect neurotransmitters or (chemicals) within the brain, which in turn produce mood changes.  Nuts and seeds are high in these amino acids.

TRYPTOPHAN:  stimulates serotonin, the neurotransmitter that causes a sense of relaxation.  Calms the nerves, great for stressful situations, and a great relaxer.

Nuts & seeds high in tryptophan are:

• Almonds
• Peanuts
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Chestnuts
• Sunflower
• Pumpkin

TYROSINE:  is great for increasing brain concentration.  It triggers the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are alertness chemicals.  They assist the brain to think and react more quickly.  Always keep nuts high in tyrosine in your car for driving (especially long distances).

Nuts high in tyrosine are:

• Brazil
• Cashew
• Hazel
• Macadamia
• Pine Nuts
• Pistachio

Food for thought:  The body cannot properly use these two very important amino acids (that ward off depression) if you are dehydrated.  Another reason water is so important!  All nuts and seeds are beautifying, anti inflammatory, high in EFA’s, high in protein, anti-cancer etc. Also, seeds help keep the teeth free from cavities, plaque and inflammation that lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease. And they massage the gum when chewing them.  Some are very high in B vitamins like sunflower; some are anti parasitic and fungal like pumpkin.

 

Did you know that seeds are higher in protein than nuts? Seeds have many additional nutrients that make them a wonderful food.

 

Flax seeds have omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for good health, but they are also rich in anticancer lignans, and their mucilage lubricates and eases bowel movements. Flax seeds and sesame seeds contain more lignans than any other food.

 

 
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, selenium, iron, and other minerals. Sunflower seeds have 22% of calories from protein and are rich in amino acid tryptophan. Sunflower seeds are a healthy way for vegetarians, vegans, flexitarians (near-vegan), and nutritarians to make sure that they get sufficient protein.

 

 

 

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of omega-3s, are high in phytochemicals, and are rich in zinc, calcium, and iron.

 

 

 

Sesame seeds have the highest level of calcium of any food in the world. They have highly absorbable full spectrum of various vitamin E fractions, but they increase the bioactivity of vitamin E in the body.

 

 

 

 

Info from Dr. Joel Fuhrman book, Super Immunity.