Facts On Folate

Women have been told for years that we need folate, or folic acid, when we're trying to get pregnant, are expecting, or are nursing, but folate is essential for all of us.  According to the American Heart Association, low folate levels may contribute to the risk of heart attack and stroke.  Tufts University studies have also shown that a deficiency in folic acid is associated with colorectal cancer.

 

Are you getting enough?  The classic signs of deficiency are weight loss, sore tongue, loss of appetite, weakness, irritability, diarrhea, anemia, and/or heart palpitations.  You can get more folate by eating spinach, beans, peas, fortified cereals and grains, liver, asparagus, wheat germ, orange juice, broccoli, egg noodles, avocado, peanuts, almonds, papaya, and tomatoes.