Homocysteine Heart Disease And Levels Of Homocysteine

Homocysteine: Homocysteine is actually an amino acid in the blood. Research has shown that excess of Homocysteine in the plasma makes the person more vulnerable to coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. Studies have also shown that homocysteine has an adverse effect on atherosclerosis as it damages the inner lining of arteries and also causes blood clots. However, the studies haven’t shown a direct link, still researchers believe that there homocysteine can have a damaging effect.

The level of homocysteine in the plasma is strongly influenced by diet and genetic factors. Vitamins B6 and B12 as well as folic acid can have an effect on homocysteine.

These dietary components can break down the homocysteine in the body. Studies have shown that less amount of folic acid in the blood can increase the chances of stroke and fatal coronary disease. Patients at a higher risk of coronary disease are generally advised to include vitamins B6 and B12 as well as folic acid in their diet.

Healthy Diet For Homocysteine Cardiovascular Disease

Homocysteine and cardiovascular risk: Since homocysteine is actually an amino acid in the blood, too much of homocysteine can increase the risk of coronary disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke. Some evidence shows that homocysteine can also cause atherosclerosis or fatty deposits in the blood vessels by promoting blood clots and by causing damage to the inner lining of the arteries.

Folic acid and B vitamins: B vitamins and folic acid can break down the homocysteine in the body. The level of homocysteine in someone’s body is influenced by genetic factors and diet. Vitamins B-12 and B-6 as well as folic acid can reduce the concentration of homocysteine in the body.

Balanced diet for lowering homocysteine: A healthy diet can lower the level of homocysteine and reduce one’s chances of getting heart disease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower the level of homocysteine and cut down the risk of getting coronary disease.

A research has shown that those who eat a well-balanced diet, which is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), have lowered their level of homocysteine significantly and reduced their risk of heart disease. According to the DASH diet, people must have low-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruits. They must also include nuts and fish, poultry, whole grains and cut down on sugar-containing beverages, sweets, red meat and fat.

It is also very important to have foods rich in folate. Asparagus, spinach, orange juice, black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are rich in folic acid.

Submitted on January 16, 2014