The benefits of folic acid for our brain health are extraordinary. This folate, also known as vitamin B9, improves, for example, the treatment with antidepressants by enhancing the effect of them. It is known to be essential for cellular detoxification, to "manufacture" neurotransmitters and to delay cognitive deterioration.
We are talking about a component present in a type of food has certain essential nutrients to improve mood, cognitive resources and brain health. Thus, when we talk about folic acid, it is common to think almost immediately of a pregnant woman or one who wishes to become pregnant.
The brain needs to maintain an adequate level of folic acid. Low levels of this folate are linked to a higher presence of homocysteine, which increases brain inflammation and the risk of cerebral vascular accidents.
We know that this folate is essential for the proper development of the fetus, and that a deficit can cause serious congenital problems, as is the case of spina bifida or other effects on the neural tube of the baby.
However, vitamin B9 is an exceptional feature to optimize many of our cognitive processes. On the other hand, since studies show, as it is carried out in several universities in the Netherlands, folic acid can allow us to reach old age with better brain health.
In addition, we can also reduce the incidence of dementias or cerebral infarcts in a significant index. As we see, it is possible to improve our diet in order to reach older people with more agile wit and a strong cognitive reserve.
Benefits of folic acid for brain health
Psychiatry journals have already published studies on this topic for more than three years. So working like what we read in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry show that this little molecule is capable of doing. To begin with, it is known that certain psychiatric medications such as those used to treat bipolar disorder, the presence of reduced folic acid in the brain.
This is so serious that, as a preventive measure, vitamin supplements are usually prescribed to prevent this fall. It is also known that folic acid can potentiate the response of antidepressants. In this way, if in addition to following the medication we take care of our diet and we do not let this folate fail, the improvement can be faster and more stable.
If the brain is all chemistry, folic acid is the mediator that makes possible a series of processes, reactions and connections. Being aware of it can be very helpful.
Folic acid can improve our mood
There are several studies that show how a good amount of folic acid can improve our mood and increase our production of serotonin. Experts indicate that the best folic acid we can take is methylpholate, since its half life is higher in our body.
On the other hand, it is known that many people have a genetic inability to metabolize folic acid correctly. For that reason, they always present a certain deficit, associated diseases and a higher risk when developing some mood disorders.
In any case, there are already many psychiatrists who recommend taking supplements based on this vitamin to optimize recovery processes and improve mental well-being.
A deficit of folic acid increases brain inflammation
Methylfolate is essential for the brain to be able to
"manufacture" neurotransmitters and DNA. If we do not have this folate at good levels, either because of an inadequate diet or a genetic problem as exemplified above, several things can happen. The most impressive is the appearance of a high concentration of homocysteine.
Recall that homocysteine is a chemical compound that mediates inflammation and high blood pressure. All this leads to an increased risk of suffering strokes, strokes, etc. In addition, the inflammatory hypothesis of depression has become increasingly consensus. This idea defends that a high homocysteine level influences the development of depressive disorders.
More memory with folic acid and vitamin B12
According to a study conducted by Janine Walker, a researcher at the National University of Australia, people who have good maintenance of folic acid and vitamin B12 for three or more years reach advanced age in better condition. In these people, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease decreases, memory remains agile, the cognitive reserve is conserved, and it is possible to have a more active old age.
All this gives us the courage to follow the advice of the experts. From 60 years of age, we must increase the consumption of this type of nutrient. Doing this costs nothing and the results can be easily noticed.
What foods are rich in folic acid?
Maybe you are thinking of going to the pharmacy to buy a vitamin supplement based on folic acid. This is not the best option, unless it has been prescribed by a doctor, psychiatrist or specialized nutritionist.
Therefore, it is better to act on the basis of our needs. If at the moment we do not present any deficit, the ideal is to limit ourselves to include and maintain these nutrients in our diet. We can do this with foods that can be found in any supermarket, such as:
*lentils;
*chickpeas;
*asparagus;
*spinach;
*broccoli;
*avocado;
*Strawberry;
*orange;
*the papaya;
*raspberry;
*Brussels sprouts;
*Celery.
Finally, as we have seen previously, folic acid is not only a component that can not be missing in a pregnant woman's diet. All of us, especially when it comes to old age, we have to pay attention to the consumption of this type of folic acid is essential for our brain.