General Health Drinking Protein Shakes Sharpens Mind"Brain fog." Most 9-to-5 office workers are familiar with the weekday morning symptoms of reduced concentration and slower mental processing that result from sleep deprivation the previous night. While many have learned to get by on the caffeine jolt of a morning latte, new research finds that there may be a healthier and more effective alternative: powdered protein drinks. According to a European study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, young adults who drink an amino acid-rich protein shake before bedtime exhibit significantly increased alertness and mental clarity the following morning than those who forego a healthy shake. While the study's authors plan further research to identify the precise link, doctors believe that common amino acids such as tryptophan are responsible for improving restful sleep and replenishing the body's nutrients, thereby improving morning brain activity.
