Methionine

1. Description: An essential amino acid and antioxidant that helps in the breakdown of fats. It helps protect the body from toxic substances, as well as free radicals.

2. Benefits: Methionine has been known to help lower histamine levels in the blood. When these levels are high, it can cause the brain to relay the wrong messages, for example in depression and schizophrenia. When it is combined with choline and folic acid, it offers protection against certain tumors. It also promotes the excretion of estrogen, which is helpful for pre/postmenopausal women, or women on oral contraceptives.

3. Fun Fact: Recently told to watch your cholesterol? Notice hair loss? Retaining excess fluid? Methionine deficiencies link to all of these things!