Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the brain involved in regulating mood, sleep, appetite and some cognitive functions. It also is important for regulating intestinal movements and blood clotting. The Medical Biochemistry Page says that more than 90 percent of serotonin is found in cells of the gut. Orally administered serotonin or serotonin obtained from dietary sources does not cross the blood-brain barrier and does not elevate serotonin levels in the brain. However, the amino acid tryptophan does cross the blood-brain barrier and is used to produce serotonin in the brain. An article in the American Journal of Nutrition says that serotonin from dietary sources, including several kinds of nuts, is metabolized and excreted in the urine.
Walnut Family
The American Journal of Nutrition says that nuts belonging to the walnut family, such as butternuts and black walnuts contain more than 300mcg per gram of serotonin. English walnuts contain approximately 80mcg/g serotonin.
Hickory Family
According to the American Journal of Nutrition, nuts belonging to the hickory family also contain moderately high levels of serotonin. These nuts include shagbark, mockernut, pecans and sweet pignuts. In these types of nuts, serotonin levels range from 25 to 143mcg/g.
Other Nuts
Filbert, Brazil nuts, almonds, beech nuts, cashews, coconuts and Macadamia nuts contain serotonin at levels between 0.2 and 2.1mcg/g, according to the American Journal of Nutrition.
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