Benefits of 5HTP

5 – HTP is the extracted seed of a plant called the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant, which is a climbing, woody shrub native to South Africa. The substance inside the seeds is a naturally occurring amino acid, and is used in the production of neurotransmitters inside the brain. Identified with a host of beneficial properties, 5 HTP is used to help patients with:

• Obesity
• PMS
• Migraines
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Addictive behavior

The amino acid inside the seeds help to increase production levels of serotonin, which is very important as we go about our daily lives. Serotonin plays a role in a variety of behaviors, helping to control:

• Body temperature
• Anger and aggression
• Sleep
• Appetite
• Metabolism

Low levels of serotonin in the body can lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression. A deficient supply of this substance can also contribute to many other conditions, and put a real blight on someone’s life and their outlook. Very few, if any, side effects have been recorded from the consumption of this substance, and many people take it with other health promoting products, such as St. John’s Wort. It is fairly well understood that as we age, the production levels of serotonin decrease as well, and this may be why older people are more at risk to suffering insomnia compared to their younger counterparts. Taking some 5 – HTP will go some way to restoring higher levels of serotonin (melatonin is a chemical released by the brain to induce sleep), increasing your chance of getting a full and sound night’s rest.

Other Benefits

5 – HTP stimulates production and boosts so many different parts of your brain and body that it operates like a network of help. Lowering hunger and increasing energy, while at the same time boosting mood and well being, this naturally occurring amino acid manages to help you in many ways simultaneously, meaning you are more likely to feel the combined effects. Many people say it helps them relax and get a better sleep, and others say that it mellows them out but also gives them energy to go and do things.

What Exactly Does It Do?

The amino acid found inside the seed is a precursor and intermediate in the creation, or biosynthesis, of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin. With the help of vitamin B6 and tryptophan, the amino acid is converted by the brain into these substances, both of which have a great effect on the mood and feelings of a person. The 5 HTP (hydroxytryphophan) is able to cross the blood brain barrier, while the individual substance serotonin – or 5 HT- cannot. This helps the brain to regulate mood and mood swings. It really is food which helps your brain to function properly.

Consuming 5 – HTP

5 – HTP should be viewed as a supplement, while other drugs such as Prozac are prescribed. Although the prescription drugs can indeed increase levels of serotonin, many people seek to find natural ways to combat the problem, and there can be little more natural than eating the seeds of a plant. People who use 5 - HTP as part of their diet often mix it with other supplements, such as:

• Vitamin B6
• St. John’s wort
• Herbal product ephedra
• Valerian root

It is of course possible to take 5- HTP alone, and many people opt to take it this way. With its massive array of positive health benefits, people who are trying to achieve a wide variety of improvements to many aspects of their lives will find a lot of benefit in taking this natural supplement. As science studies it more and more, and adds to the weight of evidence suggesting this amino acid is massively beneficial to our brains it seems more and more people are beginning to appreciate all the health properties associated with 5 – HTP.