Eating folic acid can help the elderly prevent stroke

A 20-year-old study in the United States found that consuming at least 300 micrograms of folic acid from food every day can reduce the incidence of stroke by 20% and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease by 13%. The study subjects were nearly 10,000 Americans aged 25 to 74.

During the experiment, the researchers recorded their intake of folic acid from daily food and found that those who consumed a large amount of folic acid had lower blood pressure and blood lipid levels. Folic acid is a B vitamin found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, beans and grains.

Folic acid protects the cardiovascular system because it reduces homocysteine levels, which is responsible for hardening of the arteries and ultimately leading to heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that adults should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, and pregnant women should consume 600 micrograms of folic acid every day.