Folic acid is actually part of the large family of B vitamins. Folate helps your body form DNA and RNA — the genetic building blocks for our bodies. The name folate comes from the word “foliage” because green, leafy vegetables are a great source for this vitamin!
So why is folic acid important? You can’t grow without it. That makes folate especially important for pregnant women. Without enough folate while the baby is developing, you run the risk of serious brain disorders. Since 1992, doctors have suggested that women of childbearing age get four hundred micrograms of folate every day — this has helped reduce the number of babies born with neural tube defects dramatically.
What else does folate do for you?
- A diet rich in folic acid can help your body prevent cervical cancer. Studies have shown a connection between cervical cancer and low levels of folate in the body.
- Folic acid can help your body fight heart disease — increase your heart disease fighting power with vitamin B6 and B12, too.
- A diet rich in folic acid can reduce your risk of osteoporosis!
- Folate can act as a mild antidepressant by releasing serotonin in your brain.
Getting plenty of folic acid in your diet is easy. Dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, romaine lettuce, cabbage, and asparagus are rich in folate. Seeds, dried beans, dried peas, and liver are also rich in folic acid. Avocados, beets, wheat germ, and brewer’s yeast are also good sources of folate. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with folate, too! And orange juice may not be the richest source of folic acid, but the vitamin C in the juice helps preserve what folate is present.
If you’re looking to get your folic acid from vegetables, be careful how much you cook them. Lightly steamed is a great way to enjoy your veggies and still reap all the health benefits!