Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to higher risks of coronary heart disease and decreased brain function including dementia and depression. A 10% increase in blood homocysteine levels increases the risk of heart disease by 10-15%. A recent study of nearly 6000 people found that those who ate the following foods had lower homocysteine levels:

• Milk -- homocysteine levels were 15% lower in people who drank milk regularly vs those not drinking milk (milk is high in riboflavin which is need to metabolize homocysteine)
• Yogurt
• Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (they are fortified with folic acid)
• Peppers (red, yellow, green, and hot peppers)
• Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) homocysteine levels were 16.5% lower in those eating cruciferous vegetables often vs those never eating them

Source: Ganji V, et al. Dietary Determinates of Homocysteine, American Jour of Clin Nutr 80:1500-7, Dec. 2004