The Many Benefits of Folic Acid

Folic Acid is now known to be nourishing to the brain. A lack of it can cause certain types of anemia. It helps your body manufacture red blood cells. It is a natural supplement usually taken once a day. Sometimes it is called vitamin B9 or folate. It is water-soluble, everyone needs folic acid every day. A lack of it can cause you to have a low red blood cell count. It is needed for energy production and has been added to many of our fortified bread products and cereals.

Doctors prescribe foilic acid for pregnancy because it is proven to help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord when taken very early in pregnancy. A lack of folic acid can cause neural tube defects in embryos that are developing. It can also be prescribed for help with fighting bipolar and depression. It helps cell maintenance and repair. Some take it to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and prevent having anemia. It is used in treatment for breast and prostate cancer and to inhibit colon cancer and can help in the prevention of heart disease.

It is helpful to stay physically active and maintain a balanced diet for good health. Most leafy vegetables and fruits will have some folic acid but some foods do not. Dairy products and most meats do not. Folic acid remove the homocystine from the blood and will help in maintaining healthy arteries. If the homocystine is elevated, this could be a risk and indicate heart disease. It is also used as a stroke prevention. Many feel that taking in as a supplement provides better absorption of the vitamin for your body.