News — cookbook

(First published on The Contented Calf website on Wednesday 20th May 2015.) Why are dates such a great top 10 lactogenic food for breastfeeding mums? Tryptophan Dates contain Tryptophan. Tryptophan is one of the 10 essential amino acids that the body uses to create the proteins it needs. In particular, tryptophan serves as a precursor for serotonin (our feel-good neurotransmitter). Seratonin supports the chemistry of lactation. Serotonin counter-acts Dopamine, which suppresses Prolactin (needed for milk production). So anything that keeps Dopamine levels low, in turn keeps Prolactin levels high; thus making them lactogenic and helping to combat low milk supply. High tryptophan...