BIO140 Thanksgiving

What percentage of the U.S. population eats turkey on Thanksgiving?

88%

How many turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving in the U.S.?

About 46 million (~390 million pounds)

What are the major nutritional characteristics of turkey meat?

Low carbohydrates, low–moderate fat (mostly in skin), high protein

How many amino acids are found in turkey?

20 different amino acids

What neurotransmitters/hormones is tryptophan involved in producing?

Serotonin and melatonin

What is the main function of serotonin?

It is a CNS neurotransmitter involved in maintaining mood, especially good mood

How do SSRIs work?

They slow serotonin reuptake, letting it act longer in the synapse

What is melatonin’s role in the body?

Synchronizes circadian rhythms, especially sleep cycles. Produced before sleep

Does blue light exposure increase or reduce melatonin production?

It reduces melatonin production

Why do LED screens reduce sleepiness at night?

They emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin

Name two ways to reduce blue-light exposure before bed

Avoid screens 2 hours before bed; use blue-light filters (Night Shift, Night Light, Night Mode)

Does turkey contain tryptophan?

Yes, but many foods contain comparable levels

What actually increases tryptophan entry into the brain after a meal?

High-carb meals → increased insulin → other amino acids pulled into muscle, increasing relative tryptophan availability

What part of the nervous system is activated when eating, making you sleepy?

The parasympathetic nervous system ("rest and digest")

So is turkey the main cause of food comas?

No—carbs and large meals are bigger contributors. Turkey plays only a small role

About how much cranberry sauce is consumed at Thanksgiving?

~40,000 tons

What bacteria most commonly causes urinary tract infections?

E. coli

What are the main prevention strategies for UTIs?

Hydration, frequent voiding, proper hygiene

How are cranberries thought to help with UTIs?

• Providing benzoic acid, which becomes hippuric acid that inhibits bacterial growth.

• Increasing urine acidity, which harms bacteria.

• Supplying proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria—especially E. coli—from sticking to the bladder wall.

How many pumpkin pies are eaten on Thanksgiving?

~50 million

What are free radicals?

Molecules missing an electron; natural byproducts of metabolism (e.g., H₂O₂, O₂⁻, OH)

What do antioxidants do?

Donate an electron to neutralize free radicals

What compounds in cranberries, blueberries, tea, apples, and red wine are strong antioxidants?

Proanthocyanidins

How does cinnamon affect digestion?

Slows stomach emptying

How does cinnamon affect blood sugar spikes after meals?

It reduces the spike in blood glucose after eating

Should you blame turkey for sleepiness after Thanksgiving dinner?

No—carbs and large meals are the main cause, not turkey alone

Are cranberries a treatment for UTIs?

No, they may help prevent but do not replace antibiotics