What is Folic Acid for?

Many pregnant women have asked themselves, “What is folic acid for?”. The first time it occurred to me was when I was pregnant with my second child. During one of my monthly visits with the Doctor, I read in a medical publication that folic acid should be taken by all pregnant women. Folic Acid is found in many foods, especially leafy green vegetables, and citrus fruits. If you are wondering what is folic acid for, here is a list of foods containing this important substance.

Spinach is perhaps most well known for being rich in iron and many leafy greens contain high amounts of iron. Red bell peppers are also very good if you want a spicy taste. Kale is rich in chlorophyll (a type of plant pigment), which is known to detoxify the body. Beets contain a component called folic acid as well, and they are very nice on a salad.

Orange peppers are also very high in folic acid. Carrots are very nutritious and a good source of fiber. However, there are many reports that seem to dispute the claims of high fiber benefits from carrots. There are other vegetables and fruits that are also high in folic acid, including black, red, and purple cabbage and kale. Alfalfa is another great choice.

Flaxseeds are also high in folic acid and are one of the main sources of this supplement. They are thought to reduce the risk of colon cancer. They contain the phytosterols legonine and quercetin. Other names for quercetin are bitter orange and saffron.

Milk and its products such as yogurt are also high in this important acid. This is probably why pregnant women in Greece were advised to consume up to four cups of milk each day. Folic acid is also found in many soy products. Soy beans are also a source of folic acid. However, it should be noted that these soy products have been found to contain only trace amounts of the acid.

If you want to know what is folic acid for? There are many good sources of it. Check your foods and ask your doctor or nutritionist for more information. Also, make sure to talk to your doctor about taking any other vitamins or minerals that you may need to supplement your diet with. This way you will be sure that you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs. If you still have further questions, be sure to check out some forums on the internet that deal specifically with pregnancy and folic acid.