HIGH FOLIC ACID MAY SLOW MENTAL AGING

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/jul/5/folic_acid_aging.htmHigh Folic Acid May Slow Mental AgingA diet higher in folate has been linked to a variety of healthbenefits such as reducing birth defects and warding off heart diseaseand strokes. Moreover, according to a Dutch study, taking 800micrograms of folic acid a day might also help ward off the cognitivedecline of aging.In the study, more than 800 cognitively healthy patients (aged 50-75)were given either a folic acid supplement or a placebo for threeyears. Patients who took the supplement performed well on memory tests(with scores comparable to people more than five years younger) andcognitive speed tests (with results scoring almost two years youngerthan their peers).Though it is unclear how folic acid works to protect the brain, somestudies suggest folate lowers inflammation; others suggest it may playa role in expression of dementia-related genes. Either way, folate canbe found naturally in:* Dark-green leafy vegetables* Strawberries* Oranges* BeansSan Francisco Chronicle June 20, 2005Dr. Mercola's Comment:Folic acid, as well as vitamin B-12, are necessary in the synthesis ofmany important components of the nervous system including:* Neurotransmitters* Myelin* PhosphatidylcholineIn addition, high levels of homocysteine in the blood have beenassociated with a decline in cognitive ability in the elderly.Homocysteine levels are known to rise when you are deficient in folicacid or vitamin B-12.So the evidence appears quite strong to support folic acid. Thepractical question then becomes how you should obtain it. It is mybelief that using foods is a far superior option to taking mega-dosefolic acid supplements as they did in this study.Fresh vegetables, especially dark green, leafy ones, are some of yourbest natural sources of folic acid. If your diet is lacking in thesevegetables you will tend to have increased homocysteine levels and anincreased risk of all degenerative diseases--including an increasedrisk of mental decline.Eating plenty of fresh, uncooked vegetables is the natural way to makecertain you are receiving an ideal daily dose of folic acid (andhundreds of other known and unknown nutrients).However, it is important to understand that we all need varyingamounts of vegetables. Some people need to consume 300 percent morevegetables than others to stay healthy. The amount of vegetables yourbody requires depends on your body's specific metabolic type. While weall need vegetables to stay healthy, your metabolic type shoulddetermine the type and amount.One of the easiest ways to get vegetables in your diet is to consumevegetable juice regularly. It is my daily morning ritual and onlytakes me about 15 minutes or so to juice, drink it and clean up mymess. If you aren't familiar with juicing, consider reading my articleon it, which is also the number one search term for "juicing" on Google.Related Articles:The Top Five Foods to Increase Your IntelligenceSecret Solution to Improve Your MemoryLow Folate Levels Linked To Alzheimer's Disease