I heard about an interesting new study when I was reading the latest issue of Fitness Magazine this week. A small “Food Fix” bulletin noted that the more folate (also known as folic acid or vitamin B9) you eat, the less chance you have of getting allergy and asthma symptoms from things like mold, pet dander, and dust mites. (Fitness, Jan 2010, p. 106)
The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center conducted the research by reviewing medical records in over 8,000 people from the ages of 2-85. Researchers concluded that those with the highest levels of folate in their blood had fewer reported allergies, IgE antibodies, and wheezing/asthma symptoms. You can read more details on the study here.
Scientists will need to conduct more studies in order to make specific recommendations for folate supplements, but it doesn’t hurt to increase your intake of folate-rich foods. Try some of these:
- Asparagus
- Leafy greens (spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens, romaine, etc.)
- Chickpeas
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Butternut squash
- Asparagus
- Lentils
- Cauliflower
If you’d like to include more folate in your diet, consider trying out these tasty ChefMD recipes from my buddy John La Puma, MD.
- Butternut Barley Risotto with Goat Cheese and Toasted Almonds
- Hummus Sandwiches
- Shiitake Mushroom & Asparagus Frittata with Smoked Salmon
- Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Rich Tomato Sauce
