Folic Acid and its benefits
Folic Acid is a kind of vitamin that belongs to the group of Vitamin B. Folic acid is known by many different names as B9, folate or folacin. This is water soluble vitamin and mainly required to form new healthy set of cells.
Food high in folic acid:
- Asparagus
- Dried beans
- Oranges
- Whole wheat products
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Beet roots
- Spinach
- All green leafy vegetables
These food items provide adequate amount of folic acid to fill out vitamin deficiencies and the problems related to it.
Folic acid and pregnancy: Folic acid and healthy pregnancy are very much interrelated. Folic acid is a great energy booster and it also increases the production of the red blood cells. When folic acid is consumed prior to conception, it proves very vital in preventing many serious birth defects. Consumption of folic acid three months prior to pregnancy has proved significant in maintaining the health of the infants as well as the mother. It also increases breast milk. Folic acid can also reduce the rate of heart defects in the infants. Healthy diet containing foods rich in folic acid actually lowers the risk of stillbirth and premature births.
Health Benefits of Folic Acid:
- Folic acid regulates and increases the production of the red blood cells, thus protects us from anemia.
- It stabilizes and regulates the blood pressure levels by relaxing the blood vessels that reduces the risk of high blood pressure and low blood pressure.
- Folic acid vitamin supplements are prescribed to prevent the possible risk of strokes, hypertension and hypotension.
- Folic acid is said to be beneficial in retaining memory and the mental agility which gets exhausted with growing age.
- Folic acid also controls human temper and also works beneficial in the treatment of depression.
- Prevents Alzheimer's disease
- Good for skin care
- Improves Brain development and functioning
- Prevents cancer
- Improves Fertility
- Synthesis of DNA
- Prevents eye diseases like Macular degeneration
Mostly doctor suggests all women to take 800 to 1000 mcg of folic acid, along with a B complex supplement, every day, but always check with your doctor.
(Sources: healthy-heart-guide.com, nutrition.about.com, buzzle.com)
