10 Folic Acid Rich Foods That Will Help You A Have Smoother Pregnancy

Sep 4, 2015

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Has your doctor advised you to start folic acid supplements in order to improve your fertility chances? Well, it seems that folic acid, also known as vitamin B9 is responsible for the development of a foetus and restricting birth defects like spina bifida. It also helps in formation of new cells. As more and more women undergo unplanned pregnancies, adequate intake of folic acid in the form of supplements and natural foods is recommended by the doctor.

Instead of going the tablet way, we suggest you get your daily dose of folic acid by incorporating these fertility foods in your diet.

Daily recommended intake

Men above 19 years: 400 micrograms
Females above 13 years: 400-600 micrograms
Pregnant women: 600 micrograms

Please note: Latest research suggests that high levels of folic acid can cause breast cancer, therefore it is important to monitor your folic acid intake. To prevent over dose of folate, consume a maximum level of 1000 micrograms, this parameter is for a healthy person.

1.Dark leafy greens

For immediate boost of folic acid, add spinach, soy and romane lettuce to your diet. Just one large plate of these leafy greens will give you your daily requirement of folic acid.

2.Beans, peas and lentils

Beans and peas are very high in folic acid ratio. This includes pinto beans, lima peas, black eyed peas, green peas and kidney beans. A small bowl of lentils will give you your daily requirement of folic acid.

3.Avocados

Avocados offer 90 micrograms of vitamin B9 per cup, which is equivalent to 22% of your daily folic acid requirements. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin A, dietary fibre and vitamin K.

4.Seeds and nuts

You can munch on all types of seeds, like flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts. You can eat them raw, dried or roasted, whichever way you like. You can also have dried fruits.

5.Beets

They are rich in antioxidants and detoxification elements. One cup of beets can cover 34% of your daily requirement for folic acid.

6.Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are loaded with folic acid. Oranges, papaya, banana, grapes, strawberries are rich in folic acid content.

7.Bhindi or okra

Bhindi is great for digestion and eliminates toxic build up in the body. Just a cup of bhindi can offer 37 microrams of folic acid.

8.Corn

Corn is rich in folate and just a cup of boiled corn covers 20% of your daily need of folic acid.

9.Carrots

You can snack on this healthy vegetable by eating it raw, baking it or opting for a glass full of carrot juice. One cup of carrot juice fulfils 5 % of your daily folic acid needs.