Expecting or Not Expecting: FOLIC ACID IS KEY

WHAT IS FOLIC ACID? Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin that helps the body make new cells. Rapid cell development is required for a developing baby. Women of childbearing age, and even those who are not pregnant, should make an effort to get their daily dose of folic acid to prevent birth defects. According to the CDC, most birth defects occur very early after conception and nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned. It is very important to take folic acid as a preemptive measure even for women who aren’t preparing for motherhood. S

SOURCES OF FOLIC ACID FOODS THAT ARE NATURALLY HIGH IN FOLIC ACID ARE: Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and lettuce Okra, asparagus and mushrooms. Fruits including bananas, melons and lemons. Beans and meats. Orange and tomato juices. Some enriched cereals and grains are also fortified with folic acids, but women will not get enough folic acid through fortified grains alone.

OTHER BENEFITS OF FOLIC ACID: Folic acid is used to prevent birth defects of the spine and brain, to treat and prevent anemia, as well as other conditions associated with folic acid deficiency such as liver disease, ulcerative colitis and kidney dialysis. A large study showed that women who consume more folate have a significantly reduced risk of developing high blood pressure. Folic acid supplements are inexpensive and readily available, but there is no substitute for eating your vegetables.

"What the mind has forgotten, the body remembers long after."   Lilias Folan