Roles of folic acid during pregnancy

 Fetal neural tube formation:

 Folic acid is necessary for the division of nervous system cells and the development of the fetal nervous system.  Due to the fact that the neural tube of the fetus is formed in the first 28 days of pregnancy, that is, when a person may not even be aware of his pregnancy, folic acid deficiency can cause defects in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus and the occurrence of disorders in this field. For this reason, reputable medical authorities in the world recommend that all women who are likely to become pregnant (from puberty to menopause) consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Some of these disorders caused by folic acid deficiency are: spina bifida (remaining the base of the vertebrae which causes the spinal cord and nerves to be exposed);  Anencephaly (congenital absence of brain and spinal cord);  and encephalocele (extrusion of the brain inside a cavity in the skull wall).

b) Prevention of megaloblastic anemia in pregnant mother and fetus:

 Megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia (enlargement of red blood cells) is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid, in which red blood cells are formed incompletely and do not have the ability to transport oxygen.  The recommended daily intake of folic acid for pregnant women is approximately 800 micrograms.

c) Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy causes cleft palate and cleft palate in the fetus.

Signs and symptoms of folic acid deficiency:

 Destruction of the mucosa of the digestive tract, reduction of absorption of nutrients, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss

 Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and reduced concentration

 Decreased platelet production and increased risk of abnormal bleeding

 Impaired development of white blood cells and reduced immune response

 Elevation of blood homocysteine ​​and increased risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of blood vessels)

 Defects in the growth and development of the fetal neural tube and the occurrence of congenital abnormalities

 Megaloblastic anemia

 Disorder of growth and development

 hair loss

Fatty Liver

 Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease usually occurs in people who are obese or sedentary and who have a diet rich in processed food products.  One of the best ways to treat fatty liver disease is to control the diet.

 In a healthy body, the liver helps remove toxic compounds from the body and produces bile needed for digestion.  Fatty liver disease leads to the destruction of the liver and impairs its efficiency.

 In general, a suitable diet for fatty liver includes the following:

 Lots of fruits and vegetables

 Plants with high fiber content such as legumes and whole grains

 Reducing the amount of sugar, salt, fat and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, which has been stripped of many of its nutrients)

 Refrain from consuming products containing alcohol

 Using a suitable food for the fatty liver diet, containing low fat and reduced calories, leads to weight loss and reduces the risk of fatty liver disease.

Super beneficial fruits and vegetables

 Today, extensive research has been done on the practicality of fruits and vegetables with yellow, orange and green colors.

 The beneficial effects of these plants have been attributed to their fiber content and some compounds in them such as flavonoids and antioxidant pigments.

 Pigments in fruits and vegetables such as carrots, radishes, tomatoes, spinach, oranges, tangerines, apricots, mangoes, peaches, nectarines, melons, watermelons, pumpkins, peas, sweet corn, and flavonoids in soybeans, tea, cocoa, broccoli,  Garlic, turmeric, sour cherries and many berries are found in abundance.

 These compounds can neutralize the harmful radicals resulting from the oxidation reactions created in the body and reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, asthma, arthritis and vision disorders.

 It is necessary to know that heat or short-term cooking of colorful vegetables and fruits in a small amount of vegetable oil can increase the absorption of pigments several times.

 For example, the absorption power of tomato pigment in its processed products such as paste and sauce is high. Also, mixing milk with carrot juice will help better absorption of carrot pigments due to milk fat.

 Of course, it is not bad to know that receiving antioxidant compounds from the diet in a short period of time will not have much effect on health or preventing the occurrence of diseases.

 Taking too much of these compounds does not have any side effects or symptoms of poisoning, and only excess of yellow and orange fruits causes skin color change, especially in the areas of the hands, feet, and face.