Everyone needs Folic Acid as part of a healthy diet

Folic Acid, a B vitamin, is an essential part of any healthy diet. It helps the body digest and use proteins as well as create new cells when needed. It is also known for preventing birth defects and protecting against heart disease. Additionally, it is necessary to keep the brain functioning correctly and for mental and emotional health. For a well-rounded, nutritious diet, you need to incorporate foods that contain folic acid into your eating plans. Folic acid can also be obtained by taking a supplement, but should only be used when your diet doesn't provide enough of it.

Foods providing Folic Acid

Folic acid is found in dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, tomatoes, whole grains and beans. A good source of the essential nutrient is fortified breakfast cereals. The recommended daily value for folic acid is 400 micrograms.

How does folic acid help your diet?

A benefit that folic acid has in relation to weight loss is the reduction of homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood that may promote fatty deposits in blood vessels. Too much homocysteine in your blood will increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Studies have shown that low levels of folic acid in the blood are correlated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease.

If you are following a low-carbohydrate diet, you may not be getting enough folic acid as well as other nutrients that are a key part of a healthy eating plan. The less carbohydrates you eat, the greater the likelihood that you need to take a vitamin supplement. Cereals, fortified grains and vegetables that are high in carbohydrates are the major sources for folic acid. Taking a vitamin and mineral supplement is recommended no matter what weight loss plan you are following. Folic acid is an essential part of your diet, so make sure you are getting enough of it, especially if you are pregnant.

Alternative Therapies | Bad Nutrients | Calculators | Detox Diets | Diabetic Diets|
Diet Pills and Supplements | Exercise | Facts | Free Diets | Habits | Weight and Health | Healthy Nutrients | Herbs | Low Carb Diets | Macrobiotic and Vegetarian Diets | Minerals | Miscellaneous Diets I | Miscellaneous Diets II | Natural Diets | Recipes | Tips | Vitamins and Enzymes | Weightloss Plans |

All Article Text on this site is copyrighted© 2006-2007 weightcontrolroom.com All rights reserved. Do not copy.
The info on this site is for informational purposes only and not medical info in any way, see disclaimer.