Folate is a member of the B vitamins and is also used synonymously with folic acid. Folate is needed to make genetic material such as DNA, and which is why it’s a very important nutrient to take priority as well as during pregnancy. Folate also helps with the proper division of cells. Folic acid is a synthetic type of
A deficiency of folate can cause fatigue and lethargy as well as headaches and feel unwell. In some developed countries, this nutrient is often added to common foods such as rice and cereal. If you are consuming these commercial products you should not be deficient. However, women who are planning on getting pregnant should increase their intake of foods rich in folate or take a supplement.
Food sources of Folate
Food Name | Food Type | Serving Size | % DV (daily value) |
---|---|---|---|
Lentils | Plant | 1 cup | 90 |
Pinto Beans | Plant | 1 cup | 74 |
Garbanzo Beans | Plant | 1 cup | 71 |
Asparagus | Plant | 1 cup | 67 |
Spinach | Plant | 1 cup | 66 |
Black Beans | Plant | 1 cup | 64 |
Navy Beans | Plant | 1 cup | 64 |
Kidney Beans | Plant | 1 cup | 58 |
Turnip Greens | Plant | 1 cup | 42 |
Broccoli | Plant | 1 cup | 42 |
Lima Beans | Plant | 1 cup | 39 |
Beets | Plant | 1 cup | 34 |
Romaine Lettuce | Plant | 2 cups | 32 |
Dried Peas | Plant | 1 cup | 32 |
Avocado | Plant | 1 cup | 30 |
Papaya | Plant | 1 medium | 26 |
Brussels Sprouts | Plant | 1 cup | 23 |
Green Peas | Plant | 1 cup | 22 |
Peanuts | Plant | 1/4 cup | 22 |
Sunflower Seeds | Plant | 1/4 cup | 20 |
Quinoa | Plant | 0.75 cup | 19 |
Bok Choy | Plant | 1 cup | 17 |
Cauliflower | Plant | 1 cup | 14 |
Parsley | Plant | 1/2 cup | 12 |
Bell Peppers | Plant | 1 cup | 11 |
Green Beans | Plant | 1 cup | 10 |
Winter Squash | Plant | 1 cup | 10 |
Oranges | Plant | 1 medium | 10 |
Celery | Plant | 1 cup | 9 |
Cabbage | Plant | 1 cup | 9 |
Summer Squash | Plant | 1 cup | 9 |
Strawberries | Plant | 1 cup | 9 |
Cantaloupe | Plant | 1 cup | 8 |
Onions | Plant | 1 cup | 8 |
Collard Greens | Plant | 1 cup | 8 |
Tomatoes | Plant | 1 cup | 7 |
Pineapple | Plant | 1 cup | 7 |
Leeks | Plant | 1 cup | 6 |
Fennel | Plant | 1 cup | 6 |
Raspberries | Plant | 1 cup | 6 |
Carrots | Plant | 1 cup | 6 |
Beet Greens | Plant | 1 cup | 5 |
Mushrooms, Crimini | Plant | 1 cup | 5 |
Kiwifruit | Plant | 1 whole | 4 |
Kale | Plant | 1 cup | 4 |
Swiss Chard | Plant | 1 cup | 4 |
Mushrooms, Shiitake | Plant | 1/2 cup | 4 |
Basil | Plant | 1/2 cup | 4 |
Eggplant | Plant | 1 cup | 3 |
Mustard Greens | Plant | 1 cup | 3 |
Lemons and Limes | Plant | 1/4 cup | 3 |
Supplemental sources of Folate
