Vitamin B9 is also known as folic acid. Folic acid has many health benefits, such as prevents birth defects during pregnancy, cancer, stroke and heart disorders. It can give you a relief from mental and emotional disorders, helps in hemoglobin formation, cell enhancement and building muscles. Folic acid belongs to the family of water – soluble vitamins and it is very important to add in your diet. Our bodies are capable of preparing this vital element and then to be stored in the liver.
The daily requirements of our bodies utilize a part of this stored vitamin and surplus amount is released out of the body through excretion. The deficiency of this acid can lead to a sore tongue, skin cracking, weakness, paranoia, restricted growth of the brain and nerves, memory loss and anemia. Also, the deficiency of folic acid can lead to severe problems, like leucopenia, bowel cancer, osteoporosis, birth defects and heart palpitations. Mushrooms, cheese and green leafy vegetables have this vitamin. Also, cauliflower, brewer’s yeast, legumes and beans are rich in folic acid. Lentils, brown rice, peas, oranges and bananas are rich in folic acid.
Health benefits of folic acid
Treats mental disorders: Folic acid can help in the treatment of many different mental and emotional disorders. It can be used as a home remedy for depression and anxiety which are the two most common mental health problems that people in modern era suffer from.
Increases hemoglobin levels: Folic acid can help to improve the level of hemoglobin in our bodies. This is an essential component which can help to transfer the oxygen to cells and organ systems which need it to function properly. This will boost the energy levels and it can increase the metabolic efficiency.
Coenzyme activity: Folic acid is considered as coenzyme which is effectively working in association with enzymes to perform the most important and desirable activities of the body, like the synthesis of DNA.
Promotes formation of RBC: Folic acid is a very important mineral in the formation of red blood cells. Also, this vitamin is very important for building and repairing skin cells in our bodies. Those cells which are found in the small intestine are also fabricated from this acid. This acid is responsible for replacing old cells with new ones and it will keep the body fresh and new.
Builds muscles: Folic acid is a muscle building component because it can help in the growth and maintenance of muscle tissues.
Ability to prevent birth defects: Folic acid is a reliable resource for limiting defects during pregnancy and the birth of a child. In many cases, pregnant women are deficient in folic acid which is decreasing their chances of delivering healthy child. The birth defects which are caused by Vitamin B9 deficiency include neural tube defects. You should add this acid in your diet because it will ensure you that you will give a birth to healthy and happy child.
Reduces risk of cancer: Folic acid can help to reduce the reoccurrence of cancer in our bodies. It can help to eradicate the chances of lung cancer, colon cancer and cervical cancer. Doctors are recommending adding this vitamin in a sufficient amount in your daily diet plan.
Prevents stroke: This vitamin can help to control the amount of homocysteine in the body and it will reduce the chances of stroke. Homocysteine can cause heart attacks and also it can cause strokes. The large amounts of homocysteine in your body can lead to weakening of the bones and this will increase the probability of frequent fractures.
Improves heart health: There are some studies in which are said that the folic acid is a very effective vitamin for the proper functioning of the heart. This acid does this function by removing the homocysteine which is one of the major causes for heart attacks at early age. Also, it can control the cholesterol levels in the heart and it will ensure that our cardiovascular system is safe from many different cardiovascular diseases.