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does turkey make you sleepy? Well, apparently, the good ol' gobbler contains
an amino acid called tryptophan that, once in your body, converts into serotonin.
This gives you an overall sense of well-being and induces drowsiness. You shouldn't
just blame the turkey however! Carbohydrates produce insulin in your body, in
much larger amounts than protein creates serotonin. Higher levels of insulin
result in a rise in serotonin levels. Therefore, the stuffing in the turkey
is probably more to blame than the poor bird itself!
Turkey is a delicious holiday treat, but a great deal of effort is needed to
ensure that it is served safely. When thawing your frozen turkey, allow 24 hours
per five pounds. When cooking your turkey, make sure you cook it for long enough
(according to the weight) and at 325°F or hotter. Leftover turkey should not
be kept longer than three to four days.
Bacteria: The unwelcome Christmas present
When eating from a Christmas buffet, remember the two hour rule. As in, don't
eat anything that's been out for longer than two hours. That's just long enough
for bacteria to set in. Enjoy your eggnog and your cider, but remember: if the
eggs aren't cooked and the cider is unpasteurized, these tasty beverages could
contain some nasty bacteria.
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