Haidut recently wrote
That corroborates Ray’s views that one should be careful when consuming foods naturally high in 5-HT such as kiwis, dates, and (unripe) bananas.
http://haidut.me/?p=2700
Peatbot.com: The context provided suggests that there are concerns about the use of 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), which is a precursor to serotonin. It is mentioned that while 5-HTP might elevate mood, it could also have potential negative effects. These include an increased risk of breast cancer, obesity, and other adverse effects due to its role in raising serotonin levels. Excess serotonin is associated with increased estrogen, which can slow liver metabolism, suppress thyroid function, and potentially lead to obesity and cancer. Therefore, while 5-HTP is sometimes used as a natural supplement to boost serotonin, there are significant concerns about its long-term health effects.