Scientists discovered that tissue from the pancreas contained a substance that could help prevent fatty build-up in the liver. This substance is named choline. It’s a form a vitamin B that has an action on fat, which allows our cell membranes to operate with greater flexibility. Research has shown that choline is found not only in the pancreas and liver, but is also, in fact, a component of every human cell. Without choline, many fat-based nutrients and waste products cant pass in and out of our cells. This essential nutrient is particularly important for brain health, and it plays a great deal in the liver detox.
Health benefits of choline
- Keep your cell membranes, the gates through which nutrients enter and wastes leave your cells, functioning properly
- Allow your nerves to communicate with your muscles
- Prevent the build-up of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine is a harmful compound that is associated with cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- Help prevent fatty build-up in the liver
- Allow our cell membranes to operate with greater flexibility
- Support of Methyl Group Metabolism
- Support of Nervous System Activity
- Lessen Chronic Inflammation
- Help protect against heavy metal toxicity
- Promote brain health
What diseases are linked to choline?
Many diseases are linked directly or indirectly to choline. All liver diseases are part of them. There’s also a plethora of health problems that involves a lack of choline, like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer, memory deficit problems, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, neuromuscular disorders, cardiovascular, brain disorders, autism, failure to thrive in newborns, respiratory distress in newborns, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperhomocysteineimia, anemia, infertility, high blood pressure, and candidiasis
Where to find choline?
While it’s still difficult to asses the exact content of choline in foods, the following list can help you find some foods usually rich in this essential nutrient.
Plant-based food sources
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Tomatoes
- Banana
- Oranges
- Lentils
- Oats
- Barley
- Corn
- Sesame seeds
- Flax seeds
Did you know about this essential nutrient? Do you eat the foods on the list often? What is your best way to ensure that you have enough essential nutrients in your diet?