Eating foods rich in folate may protect against cardiovascular disease. In a study of nearly 2000 men 42 to 60 years old who did not have cardiovascular disease, Finnish researchers documented significantly fewer heart attacks over a 10-year period in those whose diets included higher amounts of folate.

Leafy greens such as spinach and turnip greens and dry beans and peas are rich food sources of folate. Some breakfast cereals (ready-to-eat and others) are fortified with folic acid. Also, producers of enriched breads, cereals, flours, corn meals, pastas, rice, and other grain products are required to add folic acid.

The researchers also investigated whether there was a link between coronary heart disease and vitamins B6 and B12. They failed to find a significant correlation between cardiovascular health and high daily intake of vitamin B6. They detected only a weak association between reduced risks and intake of vitamin B12.

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