Foods That Contain Folic Acid

Folic acid is a fundamental vitamin that should be taken during pregnancy. It can prevent the baby from suffering certain diseases. In this article we’ll show you how to incorporate this important vitamin into your diet.

Many foods contain folic acid (vitamin B9), which is responsible for preventing defects in the closure of the neural tube of the embryo during pregnancy. Folic acid deficiency can cause serious disorders such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

According to South Carolina’s Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, taking a small quantity of this vitamin daily can prevent babies from suffering cleft lip.

Foods that contain folic acid

It is important for everyone to take good care of their diets. However, this is even more important when it comes to pregnant women. Babies require certain nutrients and specific vitamins.

Here are a few options to begin incorporating vitamin B9 into your diet:

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables contain folic acid. Some examples of vegetables that have a high concentration of vitamins B9 are: broccoli, spinach (providing up to 263 micrograms per serving), chard, green asparagus and lettuce. These vegetables can be easily integrated into your diet.

Lentils

Lentils are rich in folic acid. In addition, incorporating soy, peas or chickpeas to your diet will not only provide you with large amounts of this important vitamin, but will also provide huge amounts of fiber. Fiber is important for the proper functioning of the intestinal tract.

Citric fruits

Citric fruits such as papayas, oranges, kiwis, strawberries and raspberries provide large amounts of folic acid.

Avocados  also provide vitamin B9 along with vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium. Other fruits that are highly recommended include: oranges, bananas and melons.

Nuts

Nuts are another great source of this nutrient. Many people tend to snack on nuts. Peanuts, almonds, flax-seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds are highly recommended during pregnancy.

Bread and cereal

Some bread and other food products made with grain also contain folic acid. A single slice of bread contains up to 60 micrograms of folic acid.

That is why cereal is often highly recommended during pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to include it in your breakfast.

Food of animal origin

Although food of animal origin doesn’t contain the same amount of folic acid as those mentioned above, they can also be a good source of group B vitamins.

Chicken liver, turkey, veal, seafood, fish and dairy products are great sources of folic acid.

Benefits of folic acid

Folic acid can provide numerous benefits. In addition to playing an important role during pregnancy, it helps prevent the occurrence of fetal malformations, spina bifida and many other issues.

So, what are the other benefits of folic acid?

• Plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA and cell re-composition.
• Can help protect the body from cardiovascular diseases.
• Folic acid can prevent eye diseases, sleep disorders and depression.
• Helps prevent congenital spinal and brain defects.
• Often used in the treatment of degenerative diseases and neurological disorders.
• Vitamin B9 helps the body maintain itself, and it’s also important for the creation of new cells.
• Used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Now that you know the foods that contain folic acid, it is important to integrate them into your diet during pregnancy.

It is important to keep in mind that although you may have these elements in your diet, your doctor may also prescribe pharmacological supplements to meet your body’s needs.