Folates are the starting point of the methylation cycle. Methylation is needed for hundreds of key processes in the body involved with brain, heart, immune function, protecting DNA, detoxification and on and on. A large number of people have mutations, we call SNPs (pronounced like snips) which can slow down this process. But most of those can do quite well if they get enough folates.
The word folate comes from the same root as foliage greens. Eat more greens and keep your brain. I can help you understand the genetic part of this puzzle and figure out which, if any, supplements you may need to keep your methylation cycle working for you.
The latest good news: A study recently published in Neurology finds that healthy seniors who had daily helpings of leafy green vegetables—such as spinach, kale and collard greens—had a slower rate of cognitive decline, compared to those who tended to eat little or no greens.
Nutrients and bioactives in green leafy vegetables and cognitive decline Martha Clare Morris, Yamin Wang, Lisa L. Barnes, David A. Bennett, Bess Dawson-Hughes, Sarah L. Booth Neurology Jan 2018, 90 (3) e214-e222; DOI:
