Making sure that you have a healthy diet is very important. The need to consume a healthy diet increases even more during pregnancy. Pregnant women have to make sure that every meal they consume has all the required vitamins and minerals which helps in the growth of the baby.  Some vitamins are crucial for the good growth of your baby. Folic acid is one such vitamin, especially during pregnancy. It helps to reduce the chances of a lot of birth defects in a baby. Folate is a vitamin B and it is found in many foods. It is also known as Folacin and vitamin B9.

What does folic acid help with?

• It helps the body to form red blood cells and reduces the chances of anemia.
• It reduces several birth defects in babies such as defects in neural tube defects.

What food is a good source of folic acid?

• Folic acid is found in several leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, cabbage, and kale.
• Broccoli is rich in folic acid.
• Folate is also found in Brussels sprouts.
• One can even consume eggs to get the regular folic acid dosage fulfilled.
• Asparagus and citrus fruits are also good sources of folate.
• In case you are looking for food rich in folate and proteins then chickpeas and kidney beans are the right pulses for you. These legumes are an excellent source of folic acid.
• As far as package foods are concerned then breakfast cereals that have the presence of folic acid can also be consumed.

Conclusion

Pregnant women have been advised a folic acid dosage of around 600 mg every day. You can fulfill the daily dosage of folic acid either by having the above foods or you could consume the folic acid supplement prescribed by your doctor.

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