folate

24 videos

Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Paul

On average, those eating the standard American diet are deficient in folate (among other nutrients), and eating a plant-based diet typically provides higher levels of most nutrients, including folate.

Folate is found in dark green leafy vegetables, red lentils, ground flax seeds, and beans. Low folate may be associated with insomnia and depression. Homocysteine, a toxin associated with Alzheimer’s disease, can be detoxified from our body with folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Folate may be better absorbed if we chop our veggies first.

Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate, but it may not be as effective and may elevate our risk of some types of cancer.

All Videos for Folate

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Preventing Gout Attacks with Diet

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Industry Response to Plants Not Pills

The whole food is greater than the sum of its parts: how unscrupulous marketers use evidence that ties high blood levels of phytonutrients with superior health to sell dietary supplements that may do more harm than good.

Are Green Smoothies Good for You?

Smoothies (and blended soups and sauces) offer a convenient way to boost both the quantity and quality of fruit and vegetable intake by reducing food particle size to help maximize nutrient absorption.

Preventing Brain Loss with B Vitamins?

One week on a plant-based diet can significantly drop blood levels of homocysteine, a toxin associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Without vitamin B12 supplementation, though, a long-term plant-based diet could make things worse.

Antioxidants & Depression

Neither antioxidant or folic acid supplements seem to help with mood, but the consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and folate-rich beans and greens may lower the risk for depression.

Do Vegetarians Get Enough Protein?

Nutritional quality indices show plant-based diets are the healthiest, but do vegetarians and vegans reach the recommended daily intake of protein?

Canned Beans or Cooked Beans?

Canned beans are convenient, but are they as nutritious as home-cooked? And, if we do use canned, should we drain them or not?