There are many benefits of folic acid that play a very important role in pregnancy. Protecting women from various problems such as anemia, depression and fatigue. Because of this, we want to tell you what benefits folic acid has on the body? In which foods can you find it?
It is possible to take advantage of the benefits of folic acid through the consumption of various foods such as spinach, nuts and legumes. However, there is also the alternative of consuming folic acid vitamin supplements.
What are the benefits of folic acid?
Consuming extra doses of folic acid is something quite common in the daily routine of women who are planning to become pregnant or even those who already are. One of the benefits of folic acid is that it has the ability to significantly reduce the fetus presenting problems in its development. For example, an incomplete formation of the brain, as well as the spinal cord.
These kinds of problems can happen in the early stages of the fetus’s growth. Being one of the reasons why it is usually recommended that women consume folic acid when trying to get pregnant. In the same way, it is positive to consume supplements and take advantage of the benefits of folic acid if a pregnancy has not been planned. Since, according to the UN, approximately half of the pregnancies in the world are not planned.
Likewise, the benefits of folic acid are not only important for women and babies. Since it is a nutrient with the ability to combat anemia, depression and fatigue. And it’s good to keep in mind that this is a vitamin that was discovered by two women. Lucy Willis, a British-born doctor, and MM Metha, who is her Indian collaborator.
In the year 1930, a factor that had the ability to completely cure megaloblastic anemia was identified in India. Normally, the cause of this kind of anemia has to do with nutrient deficiency through diet. Causing red blood cells to be larger than usual and die prematurely. Once discovered, folic acid was known as Willis factor, or vitamin B9.
What are the benefits of folic acid for women?
Keep in mind that folic acid works in conjunction with vitamin C and vitamin B12. Helping to absorb, break down and use proteins in the body. It fulfills an important role in the body, since it protects it against the appearance of anemia. Which manifests with loss of appetite, hair loss, dry skin, nausea and mouth ulcers. Its chronic deficiency is usually manifested by fatigue, swollen and painful tongue.
Other benefits of folic acid have to do with the help it offers in liver activity, being of great help to regulate histamine levels within the body. It contributes to the improvement of emotional and mental health, because it regulates serotonin, normalizes appetite, sleep and body temperature. It also keeps intestinal parasites away and protects against food poisoning.
What is folic acid and folate?
When talking about what folic acid is, it is necessary to keep in mind that it is a form of folate and therefore belongs to the group of B vitamins. Folate can be found in various fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, folic acid is found in certain vitamins and fortified foods.
Both folic acid and folate help the body make new, healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. If the body is not able to produce the necessary red blood cells, symptoms of anemia may appear.
Regarding what folic acid is, it is good to know that anemia occurs when the blood does not carry the necessary oxygen throughout the body. Causing symptoms such as weakness, paleness or tiredness. By not getting enough folic acid, there is a chance that you will develop a type of anemia known as folate deficiency anemia.
Why is folic acid so important for women?
When talking about what folic acid is, you have to understand that all people require this vitamin to stay healthy. However, it is vitally important for women:
Before and after pregnancy: Folic acid is responsible for protecting the baby, preventing it from being born with serious congenital anomalies, which are known as neural tube defects. These anomalies usually occur in the early stages of pregnancy, often before the woman knows that she is pregnant. It also offers the possibility of avoiding other kinds of congenital anomalies, and spontaneous abortion at the beginning of pregnancy.
Maintain healthy blood by contributing to the formation and growth of red blood cells: Not consuming the necessary amount of folic acid could generate a type of anemia known as folate deficiency anemia. It is usually the most common type of anemia in women of reproductive age, compared to men.
Where to find folic acid?
That women at some point present folic acid deficiency is one of the most common problems in the female gender with respect to vitamin deficiency. The reason has to do with the daily diet, because of the choices that are made in the consumption of food. For example, foods of animal origin, except liver, which contain very little folic acid. While vegetables are a good source of this vitamin.
Nor is it helpful to maintain these appropriate levels of folate, the constant consumption of alcohol or certain medications such as birth control pills. It must be remembered that the human body does not have the ability to synthesize folic acid by itself. Therefore, it depends on external sources to obtain it. A deficit can be solved with vitamins and pharmacological supplements.
Despite this, the levels of this vitamin can be regulated with a healthy lifestyle, which focuses on the consumption of foods that contain a lot of folic acid. This vitamin can be found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, Swiss chard, and kale. It is also found in other foods such as broccoli, cabbage, peas, asparagus, beans, oranges, avocados, almonds, and walnuts. Some cereals, in legumes, dates and mushrooms.
The recommendations for consumption of folic acid in adult women are essential, with the ideal amount being 400 micrograms daily. This substance is extremely easy and sensitive to destroy by heat or light. Due to this, its consumption through food is preferable, whenever possible, raw or with a minimum of processing.
What happens if you don’t get enough folic acid during pregnancy?
If a person does not consume the necessary amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy, the baby will be at increased risk of developing neural tube defects. These are serious birth defects that affect the spine, brain, or spinal cord and can cause death. Among the most common factors that can occur are:
Amencephaly: It means that most, or practically all, of the skull and brain do not develop in the womb. Almost all cases of babies with this pathology die before or shortly after being born.
Spina bifida: This condition occurs when the spinal column of a fetus does not close completely during its development in the womb. Leaving the spinal cord exposed. And as a result, the nerves that control the legs and other kinds of organs don’t work. Children born with spina bifida have lifelong disabilities and may need many surgeries.
Organic farming and food
It is a form of responsible cultivation that has the capacity to produce enough food for the entire population, reducing environmental damage. This is an activity that can be compared to the most sustainable livestock. In which, animals are raised with respect and without the need for them to suffer.
For its part, the fishing industry must employ methods that are responsible for protecting marine ecosystems. Favoring large-scale employment, as is the case with low-impact artisanal fishing. For this, governments have to promote policies that can guarantee the right to fishermen and consumers to cover basic needs.
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