When you hear about the importance of folic acid, it's most likely in the context of pregnancy.
It's important that expectant mothers get enough of this nutrient, as it's crucial to the development of the baby, playing roles in cellular regeneration and development. Without it, babies can be born with a number of birth defects, mainly of the brain and spine.
But if you're not pregnant, folic acid is still something you shouldn't ignore!
Folic acid also plays roles in adult bodies, making sure they're healthy and strong. While all your neural tubes may be developed, there's still plenty that this nutrient can do for you.
What is folic acid? It's a B vitamin. A folic acid supplement you can buy at the store is a synthetic version. The natural version, which does the same things, is called folate and is found naturally occurring in a lot of foods.
However, depending on your diet, you may not be getting enough, and may want to consider a supplement.
Folate is most commonly found in broccoli, which actually has a number of health benefits despite the bad rap it gets. But there are plenty of other foods rich in folate, too.
Read on to see how to get an optimal amount of folic acid in your diet, and what this important vitamin is doing for you!
Where Can I Find Folic Acid?
Lots of foods are rich in folic acid, and they're yummy, too!
Bananas, papaya, avocado, asparagus, and citrus fruits are all great sources of this B vitamin, as well as plenty of other nutrients.
You can also find folic acid in beans, yeast, and mushrooms, and several foods like cold cereals and crackers have folic acid added in for extra nutritional value.
But what does it do for you?
Folic Acid Benefit #1: Keeps Your Blood Healthy
Folic acid is important in managing anemia, or a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
This is because folic acid plays a major role in forming new cells, and if it's no present, new cells aren't formed properly, or at all.
People who do not consume enough folic acid are at a higher risk for developing anemia.
Folic Acid Benefit #2: Keeps Your Thyroid Healthy
Low levels of folic acid are linked to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland slows down.
This can lead to a slower metabolism and a number of other issues, since your thyroid glad controls a lot in your body.
Folic Acid Benefit #3: It's Great For Your Heart
Folic acid breaks down an amino acid called homocysteine.
Too much of this amino acid can lead to hypothyroidism, but is also linked to stroke and heart disease.
Getting enough folic acid can also reduce high blood pressure.
Folic Acid Benefit #4: It May Protect Your Gums
This is a fairly new territory for folic acid, but some studies have shown that folic acid may help with several tooth and gum issues, particularly those that are caused by pregnancy and as side effects from certain medication.
In the future, we may see a topical cream rich in folic acid as a gum treatment, but research is still being done.
Folic Acid Benefit #5: It Protects Vision And Hearing
The loss of vision and hearing is common as we age, but this loss can be slowed by getting enough folic acid, especially if it's supplemented with another B vitamin like B6 or B12.
Low levels of folate can also result in sudden hearing loss, and older folks who take a folic acid supplement report lower levels of hearing loss than those who don't.
Folic Acid Benefit #6: Prevents And Soothes Kidney Disease
Homocysteine is behind kidney disease many of the times, too. Again, this is because it's not being broken down by folic acid.
Getting enough folic acid before problems arise is great for preventing these issues, and if you have kidney problems, introducing more folic acid to your diet can help greatly.
Folic Acid Benefit #7: It Helps With Depression
Like with gum health, there's still a lot of research to be done in this area, but preliminary studies have suggested that folic acid can be beneficial for people with clinical depression, especially if it's taken with a prescribed antidepressant.
Folic Acid Benefit #8: It Strengthens Bones
Folic acid supplements are also recommended to people with osteoporosis, as it can help reduce symptoms of weakened bones.
Taking a folic acid supplement or eating foods rich in it can also help prevent bone mass loss, which is especially important for women, as they're more likely to get osteoporosis.
Folic Acid Benefit #9: It Helps Preserve Memory
One of the most interesting things folic acid may be able to do is to prevent and slow the effects of Alzheimer's Disease, which ravages the brain and memory.
Seniors who have higher folic acid levels have been shown to have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Did you know folic acid could do so much? Be sure to SHARE this important information with the ones you care about to make sure they stay healthy!
