Reason eating chicken nuggets makes you happier explained by experts

A fast food favourite, chicken nuggets, might actually have some health benefits, including making you feel happier - and there's science to back it up. The key is in the chicken, regardless of whether it's in nugget form or not.

Chicken contains an amino acid called tryptophan which encourages the body to produce 'feel-good' hormones. As our bodies can't naturally produce tryptophan, it's crucial we get this nutrient from our daily diet.

Once consumed, our bodies convert some of the tryptophan into oxitriptan, which then becomes serotonin. Some of the tryptophan is also converted into melatonin, which plays a role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle.

It's estimated that a typical diet provides approximately 1 gram of tryptophan per day. There are a number of health benefits associated with the naturally occurring tryptophan found in foods, reports the Mirror.

Most of these health benefits stem from the potential increase of niacin, and subsequently serotonin and melatonin. The benefits include:

• healthier and better quality sleep

• relief from depression and anxiety

• increased emotional well-being

• strengthened pain tolerance

However, while chicken nuggets do contain tryptophan, the levels aren't high enough to cause instant euphoria. But research suggests it could help boost serotonin levels when combined with other factors.

It's also worth noting that fried and breaded chicken products - like nuggets and strips - are typically high in unhealthy fats, carbs, and calories. So, maintaining a balanced diet is key to overall well-being.

Other foods high in tryptophan:

If you're not a fan of chicken, or follow a vegetarian/vegan diet, then you don't need to miss out. Tryptophan is found in plenty of other foods you're probably eating without realising.

Whilst red meat and pork are credited as good sources by My Food Data, nutritionists also found high levels in tofu, beans, milk, nuts, seeds and porridge oats. You can get also get tryptophan through certain supplements in powder form.

While tryptophan supplements are available, they may have side effects for some people. Because of this, it may be safer to obtain tryptophan through the foods that naturally contain it.

If you're taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), you shouldn't increase your tryptophan without talking to your doctor. The increased serotonin from the tryptophan can contradict the purpose of the SSRIs. Several common depression medications fall under this category, including citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline.