Eating breakfasts high in protein and low in sugars would increase the production of an amino acid involved in the production of dopamine.
They say that carrots make you lovable, but in truth, it would be more protein breakfasts. A study published in the journal PNAS wonders about the impact of this meal and its content on social behavior. The results are clear: there is a link between your level of tolerance and kindness, and what you swallow in the morning.
This small study, carried out on 87 people, shows that the decisions made by individuals are partially influenced by the amount of carbohydrates and proteins contained in their breakfast.
Gambling
To test participants’ reactions, the researchers had them play games in pairs, a few hours after eating their morning meal. At the end of the last game, they were given a sum of money that they had to share with their partner, according to arbitrary terms decided by the researchers. If the partner accepted the offer, the duo would leave each with a certain amount. But if the partner considered the offer unfair and refused it, then everyone went home without a penny in their pocket.
However, the researchers observed that the participants who ate a breakfast rich in protein and low in sugars tended to be rather “good players”, to take the money even if they had less than the neighbor – that is, is always better than nothing. On the contrary, those who had swallowed a breakfast rich in sugars tended to refuse the offer and impose austerity on everyone.
Tyrosine
According to the authors, breakfasts high in sugars induce lower concentrations of an amino acid, called tyrosine and involved in the production of dopamine – which, itself, governs the reward system in the brain.
On the contrary, breakfasts high in protein and low in sugars increase tyrosine levels and stimulate the reward system. Hence the fact that the participants accepted the offers, even if they were a little unfair.
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