China – Folic acid could reduce the risk of stroke, especially in those adults with hypertension. This is according to a recent study that has been carried out in China and as reported in the American Medical Association Journal. The study was carried out on 20,000 adults who had a history of either stroke or heart attack and were also struggling with blood pressure.
The study subjects who were divided into two groups were monitored for 4.5years whereby one group was in frequent use of folic acid supplements alongside regular high blood pressure medication. The results indicated that the combined use of enalapril which is an anti-hypertension drug and folic acid was effective in the reduction of the risk of first stroke.
It is after the completion of the research that experts confirmed that continuous use of folic acid and enalapril reduced the risk of heart diseases dramatically.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Yong Huo recommended high intake of folic acid whose sources include beans and peas, fruits, vegetables and nuts. Huo further stated that these kinds of supplements would also stand in for non – vegetarian.However, the results are likely to be different in the US since it is known that Americans have a high intake of folic acid. This is because a lot of their foods, the likes of rice, pasta, cornmeal and wheat flour are already fortified with folate.
A previous study had revealed that extra amounts of folic acid could help in reducing levels of an amino acid called homocysteine. Homocysteine is made by the body when it absorbs and uses protein. Study showed that it can make the walls of the arteries weak.
High blood pressure should be treated as a serious medical condition According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the U.S.It can lead to coronary heart disease, heart and kidney failure stroke and other heart related problems. Hence ensure you are eating the right foods to avert such problems.