What Food has Folic Acid?

You may be wondering what food has folic acid, especially if you or someone in your family is pregnant. Folic acid is an essential nutrient that helps to ensure your baby has a normal development. This means that even though you may not be expecting a baby, you should still eat a well balanced diet and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are trying to get pregnant, this can be essential as it can prevent the disease from progressing.

Your body produces folic acid naturally but you may need to take additional supplements to get your recommended daily dosage. The recommended amount for most adults is five hundred and twenty milligrams a day, however there are many factors that can affect your levels. For example, if you are a smoker, are over fifty years of age, have a history of birth defects, and/or have kidney problems you may have to adjust your doses to meet the proper requirements. Women who are pregnant may need to increase their intake even more to help their fetus to develop properly.

One of the main reasons why people become deficient in folic acid is because they are not getting enough vitamins and minerals through food alone. In fact, even when pregnant women do get enough folic acid through their food, they may still need to take additional supplements to help get their recommended dosages. Some of the foods that contain high levels of folic acid are dark leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, legumes, nuts, wheat bran, and dried peas. Foods that are rich in other essential nutrients, like whole grains, seeds, and nuts, are also good choices for providing your body with this important nutrient.

Why is it important for everyone to get enough folic acid? The two main functions of this particular nutrient are to protect your baby’s neural tube from developing defects, and to maintain your red blood cell count. It may surprise you to learn that the function of this nutrient is related to your blood pressure. Studies have shown that it can lower your pressure, especially if you regularly consume it in supplement form. That is why it is so important to get enough of this valuable nutrient.

So, now that you know what food has folic acid? If you are trying to conceive, or just want to make sure that your baby has a healthy development, then one of the best things you can do is eat a healthy diet that is rich in this important nutrient. If you are not pregnant or simply want to lower your blood pressure, then you can take supplemental folic acid in pill form. However, always talk with your doctor before taking any new medications.

What food has folic acid? For pregnant women, it seems to be a safe bet to include red meat, as well as seafood and green leafy vegetables in your diet. But, make sure you choose organic meats, and avoid those that have been processed. If you are trying to get pregnant, or just want to make sure your blood pressure is under control, you can speak with your doctor about taking supplemental folic acid. Whatever you do, however, ensure that you don’t increase your daily intake of foods that are high in this particular acid.