Homocysteine is a protein that occurs naturally in our blood. Sometimes when it’s conversion is impaired due to nutritional deficiencies, homocysteine levels rise and this is dangerous to our health. These high levels have been linked with cardiovascular disease, migraine, cognitive decline, diabetes, osteoporosis and macular degeneration.
You can regulate your homocysteine levels by:
- reducing coffee intake to 1-2 cups per day.
- eating more fruit and vegetables to increase folate. Good sources of folate include green leafy vegetables like spinach, asparagus and broccoli, and fruits such as strawberries and blackberries.
- increasing vitamins B6 and B12. Chickpeas, salmon, chicken, bananas, sweet potatoes, lentils and sunflower seeds are all good sources of these B vitamins.
- losing weight, if you are overweight.
Have your homocysteine levels checked the next time your doctor recommends a routine blood test. It should be 6 or lower for optimal health!