6 Foods High in Folic Acid Our body is made up of several essential nutrients and minerals, each of which has its own role in improving the functioning of the body. Folic acid is just one such essential mineral in the body which plays a vital role in the everyday functioning of the cells in our body. Folic acid is nothing but a water soluble form of vitamin B9. Folic acid is extremely important for women who are trying to conceive and those who are pregnant for the wholistic development of the baby in the womb. Low levels of folic acid in the body could cause various health conditions, some of the symptoms of which could include forgetfulness, tiredness and so on. Folic acids are not stored in the body since they are easily soluble in the water content of our body. The folic acids need to replenished by the body in the form of supplements and the everyday foods that we contain. Here are some of the rich foods which can easily help you increase your folic acid levels in the body. Important Benefits of Folic Acid Apart from pregnant women, adults also require sufficient intake of folic acids to keep up the body functioning effectively and efficiently. There are several research and studies that indicate how folic acid intake helps in preventing several health diseases including cardiac issues, depression, medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and also a few forms of cancer. Folic acid primarily helps in the repair of cells in the body which make up the DNA in the body. Folic acid intake during pregnancy helps in the proper development of the foetus and also prevents the baby in the womb from various defects including neurological disabilities. Studies have shown that women who consume about 400 mcg of folic acid everyday are less likely to develop health condiiots like colon cancer.
Natural Sources of Folic Acid 1. Apples: Apples are known to be the best fruit that contains multi vitamins including folic acid. The peel or the skin of the apple is known to contain maximum nutrients like folic acid. This is one of the main reasons why apples are strongly recommended by doctors for a healthy life. Pregnant mothers must consume one apple everyday for the wellbeing and overall health of their baby. 2. Leafy Greens: Dark leafy greens are known to be the healthiest foods on the planet, and these also include the richness in folate. Consuming healthy and nutritious greens like spinach, collard greens, kale, lettuce and so on give your body an instant boost of folic acids. Adding a dose of greens to your everyday diet is an important part of a healthy and well balanced diet that meets all nutritional requirements of the body including folate. 3. Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are often known as superfoods as they are one of the richest sources of natural folic acids. You can easily incorporate sunflower seeds as a part of your everyday diet by adding them to your fruits or just snacking up on them. Sunflower seeds contain various B-complex group minerals such as folic acid, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine and so on on. 4. Oranges: Citrus fruits such as oranges are extremely rich in the folic acid content. One large orange contains approximately 55mcg of folate making it one of the best fruits for a quick increase in your folic acid levels in the body. You can have oranges as a whole fruit, serve it with your favourite salad or have a glass of fresh orange juice to meet your everyday health requirements. 5. Broccoli: Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in several nutrients like folic acid, vitamin C, beta carotene as well as fibres. About 104mcg of folate is found in a single cup serving of broccoli soup, which is about one fourth requirement of folic acid that your body needs to function and repair the essential cells of the body. 6. Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are extremely versatile and can be added to various recipes and dishes. Kidney beans contain about 115mcg of folate in half a cup serving. You can either buy kidney beans, soak and cook them up into your favourite recipes or just buy a can of kidney beans for the same amount of folate intake.