Women’s Health-Why do you need Folic Acid

Hello friends!!

You must be wondering why I am always spreading gyaan here. It may seem a little boring but it is a win-win situation. I am gaining lots and lots of knowledge by doing online research and providing info to you all. This would help you find out what kinds of foods should be included in your diet.

Today, I am here to discuss the importance of Folic acid. I just came to know that this vitamin plays a very crucial part in the well being of a woman in particular. So stay tuned.

What is Folic Acid ?

Folic acid is a form of the water-soluble vitamin B9. Folate is a naturally occurring form of the vitamin, found in food, while folic acid is synthetically produced, and used in fortified foods and supplements. The human body cannot synthesize it on its own so it becomes essential to incorporate it in our daily diet.

What body functions it performs?

It produces healthy red blood cells
Synthesizes DNA, RNA
Repairs DNA, RNA
Plays an important role in emotional health.
Aids rapid cell division and growth
Protects against cancer of the colon, breast, also cervical, pancreatic, and stomach.
Enhances brain health. According to a study it may improve memory.
It is vital for pregnant women to have enough folic acid to prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain or spine

Women’s Health-Why do you need Folic Acid ?

All women of child-bearing age should take folic acid, not only those who are planning to get pregnant. A researcher also said that in order to be effective in preventing birth defects, women should take folic acid before getting pregnant as well as during the first four weeks after conception.

According to an online journal, females who take folic acid supplements for at least 12 months before becoming pregnant could cut their risk of having a premature baby by about half.

Now the question is how much should be consumed. All women who are capable of having babies should take 0.4mg folic acid per day.

How do you know that you have deficiency of Folic acid?

The following are the tell tale signs :

Fatigue, tiredness
Feeling general weakness
Forgetting things
Getting easily irritated
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight

What happens when you have a deficiency of folic acid?

Higher risk of some cancers, such as cancer of the stomach
Increased risk of heart attacks
Increased risk of strokes.
Possible memory and mental agility problems
Higher risk of developing allergic diseases
A higher long-term risk of lower bone density.

Now you must be wondering what is the way out? How do I prevent this deficiency? As I already said the body cannot synthesise folic acid, you need to get it from food.

Food sources rich in Folic acid

You must have read back in school that dark green veggies are a really good source of folic acid. Allow me to elucidate:

Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Egg yolk
Kidney
Lentils
Lettuce
Many fruits like papaya and kiwi have more of folic acid.
Milk
Oranges
Peas
Spinach
Sunflower seeds

So now you know where to get your folic acid from.

Ensure you get sufficient amounts of it. Take care and stay healthy!