Role of folate in diseases

Introduction
Folate is a form of vitamin B present naturally in some foods and also in form of supplements, the coenzyme form is called tetra hydro folate (THF).
Food sources; folate can be gotten from consumption of green leafy vegetable, asparagus, broccoli, oranges, wheat germ, nuts.....
Functions in diseases;
Neural tube defect: brain and spinal cord which develop during the early weeks of pregnancy can have defect in the order of formation which result in various central nervous system disorders. All women who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume 0.4mg of folate daily, this recommendation can be met when a diet which allows 5 serving of fruits and vegetables is encourage daily.
Cardiovascular diseases: an important risk factor among other factors in cardiovascular disease is high homocysteine - low folate level in the body. Accumulation of homocysteine in the body increase the formation of blood clot in the vessels, folate function in breaking down homocysteine and decreases their plasma level. Increased in consumption of folate rich foods can prevent various forms of cardiovascular disease.
Cancer: folate has also proven effective in prevention of colon cancer.

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homocysteine level and cardiovascular diseases

Homocysteine is an amino acid derived from the metabolism of Amino acid methionine, its excessive level in the blood threaten cardiovascular health in a complex way, its use in the body depends on the level of methionine present at a particular time, it is converted to cysteine in the presence of adequate methionine and methionine in it(methionine) deficiency by the action of enzyme in the body. Homocysteine in itself is not present in food but its gotten from food sources of methionine like meat, egg, legumes e.t.c The excessive level of homocysteine can be the result of genetic defect of its metabolising enzyme or as a result of nutrient deficiency e.g vitamin B6, B12 and folate. The presence of these B vitamins in the daily consumption helps in proper elimination of excessive homocysteine derived from food or other sources. Uncontrolled level of homocysteine can reduce flexibility of vessels or damage endothelial cell hence inhibiting proper flow of blood and effectiv...

Probiotics: a functional approach to healthy gut

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Hyperglycemia: an underline disorder in chronic diseases.

Overview Hyperglycemia is an abnormal rise in blood sugar level. Normally, blood glucose level rise after ingestion and assimilation of each meal supplying the required tissue with glucose for optimum activities. The degree of blood sugar rising can be beneficial if slowly rise and harmful if abnormally rise but the rise can depends on the nature of the diet e.g diet rich in simple carbohydrates are easily digested and assimilated faster increasing the sugar level while a diet rich in complex carbohydrates and protein digest slowly giving rise to a low(normal/expected) sugar level. When the glucose level rise beyond the threshold, it initiate diabetes of various type( prediabetes, type 1 or 2 ). The onset of this condition can give the following symptoms among others Headaches Frequent urination and Increased thirst What can be done! Since the ingestion of each meal alters the blood glucose level, diet can be adjusted for a normal blood sugar level. To do...

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