Benefit of Folic Acid

Few people know the benefit of folic acid.

Folic acid is a form of the B-complex vitamin called folate. It helps in the formation of red blood cells.

And it’s also the most effective nutrient in removing homocysteine from the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid formed naturally in the body.

Too much homocysteine often precedes heart disease and artery damage; folate prevents homocysteine levels from rising.

Folate Pregnancy

Pregnant women should pay particular attention to their intake of folate. Spina Bifida, a spinal cord birth defect, has been associated with folate deficiency in the mother. Premature birth has also been linked to it.

Spina Bifida occurs early in pregnancy, so moms-to-be should boost their folate intake even while trying to get pregnant.

If a woman waits until she knows she is pregnant, it’s often too late because critical elements of fetal development have already occurred.

Folate Foods

• lentils

• pinto beans

• garbanzo beans

• asparagus

• spinach

Load up on the beans and veggies.

Folate Supplement?

Folate delivers its strongest benefits when taken with vitamin B12 and vitamin C, so look for a supplement that lists a number of vitamins.