Folic Acid: Benefits, Sources & Why You Need It

Some nutrients reduce many chronic diseases and make you healthier. One of these nutrients is the B vitamin folic acid, usually called folate in food. Foods containing a lot of folic acid include spinach, broccoli, asparagus, soybeans, orange juice, kidney beans and soynuts. For the best benefits, you should have 400 micrograms of folic acid each day.

Pregnancy

• All pregnant women are advised to take folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects in their baby's spine and brain. Folic acid can also prevent miscarriages.

Blood

• Folic acid helps to produce normal red blood cells and helps the body absorb iron.

Heart

• Folic acid prevents heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Aging

• Speed in processing information and memory usually decline as people age. Taking folic acid increases these abilities in the brain and may prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Disease Prevention

• Folic acid can prevent breast cancer, anemia and leukemia.