National Folic Acid Awareness Week
It’s the National Birth Defects Prevention Month and Folic Acid Awareness Week.
What’s the connection of folic acid and birth defects? Folic acid is the single most effective weapon against spina bifida, a disabling birth defect which results from the failure of the baby’s spine to close during its first few months in the womb. It is therefore crucial that a pregnant woman takes sufficient folic acid during the first few months or even before conception to reduce the risks of neural tube defects in the baby. Since most pregnancies are unexpected, all women of childbearing age are recommended to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
In addition to preventing spina bifida, folic acid has also been shown to reduce the risk for heart disease and strokes by lowers the levels of homocystein, an amino acid associated with the development of cardiovascular disease.
A medicinal herbal/food ridiculously high in folic acid is Stinging Nettle (Uritica dioica). When cooked the stings wilt to nothing and it tastes like the most amazing and flavorful spinach in the world. Add it to soup, stew, casseroles, or anywhere you might add some spinach.
Nettles can sometimes be found at health food stores (small ones) and farmers’ markets. Or ask a local herbalist. They are ready to harvest around March and can be frozen. They must be harvested before they flower.
In researching Taylor’s suggestions for a wellness program “tip”, I found the following caution regarding stinging nettle:
“Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle, and lactating women should avoid excessive use of this herb.”
Found at this site:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/stinging-nettle-000275.htm
Please use caution even with supplements.