Betaine and the Paleo Diet

Betaine is one of the many nutrients found in the body and it offers many ways to help our bodies function better and to look and feel healthier. As such, Betaine is a vital nutrient to consume as part of our diet and there are many foods which contain Betaine and offer numerous other health benefits. Betaine can be found in animals, plants and microorganisms and it is responsible for breaking up the fats and protein in the body. It enables the heart and blood vessels to function more effectively. The other benefit of Betaine is that it helps in treating homocysteine, which is a very harmful amino acid which can be obstructive to our blood vessels and cause strokes.

Homocystinuria is an illness which results from high levels of homocysteine and it can lead to extreme tiredness and fatigue, which is why it is essential to ensure we have the right amount of Betaine in our bodies. One of the other advantages of Betaine in our diets is that it increases the function of our metabolism, so is a good nutrient for promoting weight loss. It reduces fluid in our bodies which can lead to a fluctuation in our weight. It is important to intake the right amount of Betaine and not consume too much or too little of this essential nutrient, as it has the potential to lead to health problems.

Betaine is also thought to reduce the fatty deposits which can occur on the liver, often with alcoholics or those who suffer from illnesses such as diabetes. It is also thought that Betaine works well together with B vitamins so that the body is more protected from outside ailments which can lead to a weakened immune system and low resistance to colds and flus.

Intaking Betaine

On average, humans will consume about 1 gram of Betaine from any standard diet, but this is a lot higher when following the Paleo diet. Betaine can be found in supplements, but it is also found in a variety of foods, which is the most beneficial way of consuming the nutrient. The Paleo diet encourages the consumption of a number of different foods which have a high content of Betaine, such as vegetables which are known to have high levels of Betaine. The two most effective vegetables to eat as a means of raising Betaine levels are beets and spinach, although there are many others which have smaller levels of Betaine.

The main Betaine content of beets is found in the peel and the flesh and there are many ways to introduce it into the diet as part of the Paleo way of living. Beets can be boiled and mixed up with other vegetables to create a really tasty salad. You can also add some apple cider vinegar to create an even more flavoursome salad, while maximising the benefits to your health. Beets are also full of other vitamins and nutrients which act as an antioxidant to improve the immune system and promote a healthier body.

It is also quite simple to add spinach to your meals and this is a great food choice for increasing consumption of Betaine. Spinach is a really tasty addition to a salad or side dish which can be eaten raw or boiled. It also protects against homocysteine which makes it the perfect choice for a healthier diet and lifestyle. Spinach offers numerous other benefits to the health and should be a regular addition to your meals on the Paleo diet.

You can also find Betaine in other food groups which are encouraged as part of the Paleo diet, including fish, such as haddock and trout. A good meal which will keep your Betaine levels high would consist of fish and plenty of vegetables, in particular spinach and beets. You can also add shellfish to your diet if you want an easy alternative to your meals with a good level of Betaine.

The variety of good foods available on the Paleo diet and the fact that it improves Betaine levels further increases the importance of this type of diet. Unlike other diets which are only useful for weight loss and are more like fads rather than a way of life, the Paleo diet offers an important way to change your life positively for the future. There are many ways to incorporate all of the right foods with plenty of nutrients, including Betaine into your meals and these do not need to be complicated to prepare.

Do you get enough Betaine in your diet?