You may have heard about folate or folic acid in relationship to a healthy pregnancy and reducing neural tube deficits in unborn children, but folate can be beneficial throughout all ages and cycles of life. It can offer many benefits for both men and women. Here are some of the benefits you will see when you make sure to include folic acid as part of a healthy diet:
Healthy Development of Cells
Folate is essential for the healthy development of cells. While this is common knowledge when it comes to fetal development, it is true for all adults as well. Folic acid is vital in the development of healthy red blood cells. In fact, folic acid will help to boost the immune system through white blood cells as well. Having healthier blood cells can help in the prevention of some cancers. Some of the cancers that have been linked to a lack of foliate include colon and cervical cancers.
Brain Health
Folic acid is good for your brain. Folate can help to keep your brain young and reduce the effects of aging. Because folic acid also aids in blood products and cardiovascular health getting enough folic acid helps to lower the risk of stroke as well.
Cardiovascular System Health
Folate is good for the cardiovascular system and can help to prevent heart disease. The benefits for the cardiovascular system helped to lead to the addition of folic acid and B vitamins to cereals and breads manufactured in the United States. One of the best known benefits that folate can give the cardiovascular system is the reduction of homocysteine a compound that can cause cardiovascular and artery damage.
Effects on Depression
An interesting benefit of folic acid that has recently been discovered is the effects it can have on reducing depression levels. While it is unclear if folate on its own will substantially reduce depression, many studies have shown that taking folic acid in conjunction with antidepressants has increased their outcome.
The benefits of folate can be achieved through natural foods, or through supplements. Studies suggest that people are not eating enough fruits and vegetables to gain enough folic acid through their daily diet and suggest the use of a multi-vitamin that contains folate to ensure proper levels are reached. As with all supplements, it is important to use them in conjunction with a well balanced healthy diet to get the best results. The benefits of folate while more obvious for women of child bearing years can make a difference for both men and women of all ages in helping your body to produce healthy blood cells, helping to prevent risks to your heart and brain, and even helping to ease the effects of depression. Talk to your doctor to find out if taking more folic acid is right for you.