folate

27 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

Should Vegetarians Take Creatine to Normalize Homocysteine?

What are the consequences of having to make your own creatine rather than relying on dietary sources?

How to Test for Functional Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Many doctors mistakenly rely on serum B12 levels in the blood to test for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Benefits of Quinoa for Lowering Triglycerides

How do the nutrition and health effects of quinoa compare to whole grains?

How to Cook Greens

Dark green leafy vegetables are the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. What’s the best way to prepare them?

How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis

The risk of contracting the brain parasite toxoplasma from kitty litter vs. meat.

Best Supplement for Canker Sores

Vitamin C, turmeric, beta-glucan fiber, and vitamin B12 are put to the test for recurring canker sores (aphthous ulcers).

How to Prevent Alzheimer’s with Diet

What evidence is there that our meat-sweet diets play a cause-and-effect role in dementia?

What Is the Healthiest Diet?

What is the baggage that comes along with the nutrients in your food?

Preventing Gout Attacks with Diet

If the uric acid crystals that trigger gout come from the breakdown of purines, should gout patients avoid even healthy, purine-rich foods, such as beans, mushrooms, and cauliflower?

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.