Our body needs different types of nutrients every day. The function of different nutrients is to carry out different functions in the body properly. One such essential function is also performed by Folic Acid. It is more commonly known as Vitamin B. Folic Acid can prove to be helpful for you, in case you are planning to become pregnant. Here, folic acid has an important role to play.
Besides, Folic acid is also essential for the formation of new cells and DNA. This vitamin is very important for the health and development of the foetus.
So, if either you are planning to conceive or already trying for it; then definitely increase your folic acid supplementation. We can get a better understanding with the following study conducted with folic acid.
Recent Study Published
Medivizor’s study that was recently published, involved total 3895 women who were trying to conceive.These all were, those women who were trying to conceive for 6 months. The study was conducted twice a month for a year.
About 65.7% of women were subjected to folic acid supplementation and on the other hand, 32.7% were not treated with supplement. Out of these women 69% of them, became pregnant by the time the survey was completed. However, some gave up in the midway or left planning pregnancy.
This suggests that the folic acid intake, during the time you plan to conceive can be quite helpful for you. Further, now we will move on and have a look on some food items which can be your Folic acid supplements.
Legumes
It includes beans, peas and pulses. Legumes contain varying amounts of folic acid. One cup i.e. 177 grams of cooked kidney beans contains 131 micrograms of folic acid, which meets 33% of the daily folic acid requirement.
One cup of cooked lentils contains 358 micrograms of folic acid. Legumes also contain potassium, magnesium and iron along with protein, fiber and antioxidants.
Egg
By including eggs in the diet, you can get many other nutrients along with folic acid. One large egg contains 22 micrograms of folic acid. Your folic acid needs can be met by eating a few eggs every week. Eggs contain protein, selenium, riboflavin and vitamin B12. It also contains lutein and Zeaxanthin.
Green leafy veggies
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, kale are low in calories, but they are loaded with many vitamins and minerals, including folic acid. One cup i.e. 30 grams of raw spinach contains 58.2 micrograms of folic acid. Green leafy vegetables are also high in fiber and vitamins K and A.
Citrus fruits
Also read: Surprising Health Benefits of Pregnancy
Citrus fruits such as mandarin oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and mosambi are so tasty and flavourful, but did you knew that they are a rich source of Folic acid! One large orange contains 55 micrograms of folic acid. Citrus fruits also contain vitamin C, which is meant to increase immunity and protect you against diseases.
Papaya
Papaya is another fruit which isa rich source of folic acid. One cup i.e. 140 grams of raw papaya contains 53 micrograms of folic acid. This provides 13% of the daily folic acid requirement.
Besides this, papaya is also full of antioxidants like vitamin C, potassium as well as carotenoids.
