Current News

Check out the noontime education series for June and July.  Breathe and Vision are two new additions to the series. Tuesday's 12 to 1 p.m. at McCall Wellness Center.

The next cooking workshop is scheduled for late summer. Contact the clinic for more information.

Topic of Interest

Benefits of Folate

A member of the B vitamin family, folic acid was isolated in 1931 and later named folate from the Latin folium, for folage.  Deficiency in folic acid contributes to birth defects, depression, atherosclerosis , osteoporosis, Crohn's disease, cervical dysplasia and others

The nutrient was first  isolated from spinach and other important sources include legumes (chickpeas, lentils, black beans, pinto beans and red kidney beans), kale, and other green vegetables.  Brewer's yeast, chicken and beef liver are good sources too.

Strong vegan sources of folate include asparagus, baked beans, black-eyed peas, oatmeal, refried beans, avocados, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard, kale and turnip greens and sunflower seeds.  

Folic Acid deficiency is the most common vitamin deficit in many developed nations.  We must obtain this vital nutrient from our foods. Cooking destroys folate, so eating a variety of raw and lightly steamed foods is important to ensure this valuable nutrient is available.

Alcohol consumption, birth control pills, and many  medications interfere with the body's utilization of folate, creating folate depletions.  So particular attention must be paid to ensure you are getting the folate from the foods you eat or with Standard Process Folic Acid Supplements.