Fwd: OT Chickpeas (Hummous) as a key food for early civilization

January 27, 2007

I know that this is totally off topic, but thought it was very interesting.

Discovering the secret to the civilization-starting chickpea

By Nicky Blackburn January 21, 2007

Researchers have long claimed that the nutritional benefits of

chickpeas could be one of the reasons for the rise of civilization in the

fertile crescent of Mesopotamia. And now a team of Israeli scientists believe

they have discovered the reason why.

Zohar Kerem and Shahar Abbo from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found

that cultivated chickpeas contain three times as much amino acid tryptophan, a

precursor of the neurotransmitter serotin, as wild chickpeas.

Tryptophan is responsible for brain serotonin synthesis, which in turn affects

certain brain functions and human behavior. Increased amounts in the diet are

thought to improve performance under stress, promote ovulation - an important

advantage during times of human expansion, improve infant development,

accelerate growth, induce satiety, promote

investigative behavior, lower aggression, encourage self-confidence and act as

an anti-depressant.

Visit Your Group

January 28, 2007

That is really interesting--Thank you for posting the link!

robin koloms wrote:

> I know that this is totally off topic, but thought it was very interesting.

>

> Discovering the secret to the civilization-starting chickpea

> By Nicky Blackburn January 21, 2007

>

> <snip>

>

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