by Ashleigh Feltham
Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Nutritionist

When you get a check-up at the doctors you have probably had your cholesterol and blood sugars tested. Another factor called homocysteine may be added to this list as several studies have shown its link to your heart disease risk as well as mental function and health. Healthy homocysteine levels are important for good health.

Homocysteine levels in your blood are a marker of certain processes working well. Homocysteine is needed for the conversion of the amino acid methionine to the amino acid cysteine and back to methionine once more. It is also needed for making DNA and making specific amino acids which are vital for your health. If this process is not working research has shown the blood vessels in your brain may become weak and burst. This can affect how your brain functions and lead to cognitive impairments.

If your body is working as it should homocysteine levels will be lower. Having enough of the B vitamins 6 and 12 and folate is essential for this. Rather than opting for supplements here are some key foods to obtain these three vitamins in your diet:

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is found in animal-based products and fortified foods like nutritional yeast. A great source of B12 can be found in any of the quality sources of seafood sold by Safcol seafood.

Folate

This B vitamin gives another reason to eat your vegetables and is found in many types of vegetables, especially the green leafy vegetables. Also, in whole grains, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. If you add a serve of vegetables to your Safcol Seafood meal you will likely be ticking this box.

Vitamin B6

This B vitamin is found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables as well as animal proteins like Safcol tuna, sardines, and salmon.

Three recipes I would recommend ticking all these boxes from the array of recipes found on the Safcol Seafood site are:

Fried Salmon Mild Chilli Rice

Tuna Asparagus Tomato Chilli Pasta

Salmon Red Rice

Take home message

Skip the expensive supplements and opt for whole foods which provide your body with much more than one single vitamin but an array of health benefits.