Healing foods

For the first time, greek researchers have found that eating a diet rich in choline and betaine, two related compounds is linked to indicators of inflammation. They have taken a survey of 2000 men and women from 18 to 89. They found that those with the highest intakes of choline and betaine had lowest levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, homocysteine, interleukin and tumor necrosis factor. Rich sources of choline include eggs, wheat germ, pork, cauliflower, sprouts, spinach etc. Choline helps make neuro transmitters and fats in cell membranes, while betaine helps reduce homocysteine levels. These findings suggest that both may be key to reducing inflammation, now considered a stepping stone to heart disease and other chronic conditions.