Shakeology Ingredient Spotlight...Folic Acid

The next ingredient on my virtual shopping trip is Folic Acid.

What is it? Folic Acid is a B Vitamin which is usually found in dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach. Every cell in your body needs it for normal growth and development.

Folic Acid can be used to treat certain types of anemia which is the lack of red blood cells, caused by folic acid deficiency.

The March of Dimes recommends taking folic acid even if you are not trying to get pregnant. It can prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Some studies even show that it can help prevent heart health issues with babies and even cleft lip.

Studies have shown that it may prevent heart disease, depression, type 2 diabetes and help to prevent Alzheimer's.

These are definitely great health benefits but I wanted to focus on just a few of them that are close to me.

How does Folic Acid protect your heart? It pairs with B12 to help with the metabolism of the amino acids homocysteine and methonine. Without folic acid, these levels can cause blood to clot easily and cause heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

Folic acid is believed to help with regulating your moods. Studies show that people who have a folic acid deficiency are less responsive to antidepressant meds. So supplements have been used to treat depression and enhance antidepressant medications.

The American Cancer Society stated that a person with low levels of folic acid may have a higher risk of colorectal cancer and some other types of cancer.

Alright, is your brain completely overwhelmed right now? Yeah mine too. Just keep in mind that it helps with heart health, depresson, prevention of birth defect and type 2 diabetes just to name a few.

The American Cancer Sbociety stated that a person with low levels of folic acid may have a higher risk of colorectal cancer and some other types of cancer. means it is going to add about 5 cents to my monthly total. :)

Make sure to check back tomorrow to find out about a probiotic called Yacon Root.