Chia Seeds for Sleep Health

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Being a food source of high quality, clean protein, chia seeds contains all the essential amino acids and several non-essential ones. Two amino-acids stand out making chia a natural sleep and mental aid: L-tryptophan and Glutamic Acid.

The essential amino-acid, tryptophan has been known for many years for its pronounced therapeutic effects on neurological disorders. Tryptophan is necessary for the production of Vitamin B3, serotonin and melatonin, all of these important in controlling moods, depression, and behavioural disorders. Serotonin (the happy neurotransmitter) and melatonin (a hormone that induces sleep) have been reported to correct sleep disorders. Melatonin has been associated with deeper, longer and a more restful sleep.

One might think it contradictory that a food that can improve energy levels can also induce sleepiness. There is no contradiction at all, but a perfect synergy of our body's natural systems. Melatonin, the sleepy hormone, lies dormant in the brain until our retinas register that the sunlight has begun to dim. Melatonin levels then begin to rise, and we become sleepier as the night progresses. In fact when melatonin turns off our energy switches, this triggers the slowly shutting down of all of our body systems, except for the vital organs that need to be active when we are fast asleep.

Tryptophan is crucial in the production of both serotonin and melatonin. A deficiency in tryptophan means a deficiency in both hormones, causing havoc on our moods, our memory, concentration, and the onset of sleeping disorders.

The non-essential amino acid, glutamic acid (GA) is no less important. GA is known for several vital processes: the proper metabolism of carbohydrates, removal of ammonia, a toxic byproduct, from the body, the proper functioning of the body's waste removal system, and is necessary for the production of energy from other essential amino acids.

But perhaps the most exciting discovery about the glutamic acid is its involvement in cognitive functions like learning and memory. Preliminary studies show that GA can be used as brain food, and is one crucial requirement for the detoxification of the brain. More studies are being performed to investigate the future potential of GA in treating nuerological conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson's and mental retardation.

 Clinical Studies and Chia