The Benefits of Folic Acid

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. It is well documented that folic acid plays a role in preventing neural tube birth defects. Whether you are pregnant or planning to become so, a consistent intake of enough folate (folic acid) can help reduce the risk of birth defects such as Spina Bifida. That’s not it’s only benefit, of course–folate supports good cell health for all people of all ages. With the Guiding Stars Food Finder tool, you can search for foods that are rich in this important nutrient. We gathered a list of 10 highly rated foods (and a few recipes) to get you started!

Baby leaf spinach
Baby leaf spinach / Richard North / CC BY 2.0

Kashi Heart to Heart Honey Toasted Oat Cereal(3 Guiding Stars), 100%DV per ¾ cup serving
Total Whole Grain Cereal (2 Guiding Stars), 100%DV per ¾ cup serving
Spinach (3 Guiding Stars), 50%DV per ½ cup serving
Goya Black Beans (3 Guiding Stars), 50%DV per ¼ cup serving
Love Beets (3 Guiding Stars), 25%DV per serving
Simply Orange 100% Pure Squeeze Orange Juice (2 Guiding Stars), 20%DV per 8 oz serving
Asparagus (3 Guiding Stars), 20%DV per serving
Jumbo Artichoke (3 Guiding Stars), 15% per artichoke
Brussels Sprouts (3 Guiding Stars), 15%DV per 3.5 ounce serving
Hodgson Mill Travel Flax Organic Golden Milled Flax Seed (3 Guiding Stars), 6%DV per packet

Try these folate-rich recipes!

Warm Soba Salad (2 Guiding Stars), 20%DV folate per serving

Curried Squash and Apple Bisque with Leek (1 Guiding Stars), 15%DV folate per serving

Lemon Hummus (2 Guiding Stars), 15%DV folate per serving