This is one of the B vitamins that's essential for good health. It helps our bodies make new cells. It's used to make DNA and other genetic material. It also plays a role in cell division.
Our bodies can't make the folic acid we need. What are some good sources? You can get folic acid by eating leafy green vegetables. It's in fruits and nuts. It's in dried beans and peas. Many foods like breads, breakfast cereals and fruit juices contain added folic acid.
What are the health benefits? Well, we think the folic acid that's found naturally in foods may lower your risk for some forms of cancer. Folic acid may play a role in stroke prevention. And, it may play a role in helping you avoid depression. More study is needed.
Getting enough folic acid is especially important for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant. That's because it plays a role in the baby's early development. If you don't get enough folic acid, you can raise the risk that your baby could have a serious birth defect.
For more info about the role folic acid plays in your health, talk to your doctor.