A recent article in the scientific journal Neuron has changed scientists’ understanding of orexin cells, a type of neuron that plays a critical role in sleep patterns, weight maintenance, and reward response.
Orexin cells, located in the hypothalamus, produce the hormonal stimulant orexin/hypocretin. These excitatory hormones were originally thought to be influenced by internal homeostatic signals to control hunger, wakefulness, and calorie consumption. However, recent research has revealed that orexin cells actually respond to dietary content (that is, diet consumed). Researchers used a rodent experimental model to track orexin activity in relation to diet. Glucose (found in carbohydrates like pasta, bread, and starches) was shown to decrease orexin production which resulted in post-meal sleepiness and increased lipogenesis (the conversion of energy into fat). Amino acids (found in protein based foods) demonstrated significantly increased orexin cell activation and orexin production, even in the presence of glucose.
Thus, enjoying a protein based meal in the morning could leave you feeling more alert, as activation of orexin increases energy consumption (by breaking down fat cells) throughout the day. In contrast, a carbohydrate or glucose based meal may lead to lower energy levels and slow fat metabolism resulting in a more calm, dozy mental state.
