Are You Getting Enough Folic Acid?

Chances are you are taking supplements for vitamins A, C, and E but what about folic acid? If you don't eat a lot of leafy greens, liver or brewers yeast, then chances are that you are not getting enough of this important vitamin.
Folic Acid, otherwise known as vitamin B9 is essential to cell production and plays a vital role in the development of the fetus. In fact, studies have shown that supplementing with folic acid can reduce birth defects by 72% to 100%! Folic acid also plays a role in the metabolism of protein and formation of amino acids. This vitamin is also been shown to help with mental health, and the digestive and nervous systems.
Since most foods besides liver are poor source of folic acid, you may have a deficiency unless you happen to eat quite a bit of liver and leafy greens. Signs of a deficiency include an inflamed tongue shortness of breath, loss of appetite, forgetfulness and mental sluggishness. These can also be signs of many other problems and it is best to seek the advice of a physician if you have any of these symptoms.

In addition to your diet, there are forms and lifestyles that might deplete your body or block absorption of B vitamins such as folic acid. Celiac disease, alcoholism and irritable bowel syndrome are three things that can contribute to a deficiency.
Folate may also play a role in depression as studies in eldery people have shown. The three vitamins B6 B12 and B9 must work together to improve depression and should be taken in a multi supplement or administered by a doctor. These vitamins decrease the amount of homocysteine in your body. Homocysteine is thought to play an role in causing depression.
Some studies also have shown that taking high levels of folic acid in addition to beta carotene, vitamin C and fiber, may reduce the risk of some cancers. One study of 50,000 women claims to have shown that taking adequate amounts of folate reduced the risk of breast cancer. In addition, deficiency of folate (folic acid) has also been linked to heart disease and male infertility.
The Minimum USRDA for folic acid is 400 micrograms per day for men as well as women. Bear in mind that this is the bare minimum you need to survive and supplements usually contain more than this amount. Besides liver, dark leafy greens, and brewers yeast folic acid can be found in some seafoods, milk and orange juice. In small amounts you can find folic acid in whole grains and some root vegetables.
When taking folic acid supplements (or any supplements for that matter), it is important not to overdo it. Adverse Side effects from folic acid supplements are rare, but can occur if the dose exceeds 15000 mcg. It is interesting to not that since the B vitamins work together, taking any one of the alone alone can cause a deficiency in the others.

If you think you need to take a folic acid supplement talk a health care professional to see if it is right for you. Some medicines like antibiotics and warfarin can react adversely to supplementing with folic acid and ibuprofen and aspirin can cause a deficiency. Methotrexate, which is used to treat some cancers as well as rheumatoid arthritis increases the body's need for folic acid, adding this vitamin to your supplement list can greatly reduce its side-effects while still keeping the effectiveness, so if you must take this drug, be sure see your health care professional about adding folic acid to your diet.

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Why Soy Protein is Best For Health!

People in every walk of life agree that Soy protein is now a great alternative for people looking for healthy protein in their diet. You combine this with a regular exercise program and you are on your way to health and fitness the natural way. Most folks do not know the hidden secret benefits of Soy protein.
Soy protein is a plant protein
Soy beans are easy to digest, contain hardly any fat or cholesterol and do not contain lactose for those who are allergic to it.
You will not find steroids and antibiotics, in a plant protein. There are other benefits as well such as no parasites and no danger of diseases that originate from animal protein.
This is great for vegetarians because it is easy to digest and compares well with supplements.
Soy Beans can be used in many ways
Soy beans are extensively especially in Asia where they are truly recognized and used to their potential. They are used in tofu, soy pudding in meat substitutes, and in many condiments.

We all know there is world hunger, and growing soybeans could be the answer. They grow and are harvested easily and give a great yield quickly. In fact some farmers are now planting only soy bean plants. They are a great producer and will grow almost anywhere in any climate.
Use instead of;
Being low in fat Soy can be used when cooking and makes for a great protein source if you want to lose weight with high protein intake. Using soy regularly in your diet is healthy and gives your body what it needs to stay healthy.
Even bodybuilders realize the great benefits of soy in that it works fast because it digests easily, has great protein which helps muscles recoup quickly.
Bodybuilders might be wondering how this will help build bigger muscles, but the overall benefits to everyone certainly are significant.
Starting a total body workout program which includes a great diet plan that you can follow daily in a step by step system which is easy to follow will get you on your way to a total fit healthy body you always dreamed of.
Processed foods and protein have a certain risk to them so it is best to go natural as much as possible. This food fits perfectly into any low-fat, high-protein diet.
Soy products are great for everyone in shakes and drinks because they are lactose free.
Soy products also help with your immune system and help to avoid cholesterol in the body.
Soy has been considered a miracle protein source in that it helps with the aging process and preventing cancer. It also produces Isoflavones which are produced by soy and are powerful antioxidants which are very beneficial to our bodies, along with vitamins A, C, and E in fighting diseases like cancer as well as the battle against pollution and stress.

How Much To Take
There are some allergies to soy, but they are few, it is safe to take a large amount of soy products. If you are deciding to change to a soy diet you should first consult you doctor to see if there might be a problem with some of the prescription drugs you are now taking.
If you are looking for a great source of protein which is easy to find and implement and has few side effects with great benefits you should find out how you can improve your diet using this great natural alternative.

 

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