After analysing evidence from earlier studies, a team of British scientists have discovered that folic acid lowers levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood and reduces the odds of cardiovacular disease.

    "The evidence is very persuasive that lowering homocysteine with folic acid will lower your risk of heart attack and stroke by about 10-20 percent," said David Wald, of the Wolfson Institute for Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry in London.

    Folic acid is a synthetic compound of folate, a B vitamin found in green leafy vegetables and liver.

    Previous studies have also suggested eating plenty of folic acid could help prevent strokes and some cancers and could potentially halve the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

    Women are advised to take folic acid before conceiving and during the early months of pregnancy to prevent neural tube disorders such as spina bifida.

    Rich dietary sources of folic acid include fortified breakfast cereals, bread, green leafy vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach and green beans, oranges, dried beans, peas and lentils.

    (Agencies)