Final answer:
Foods rich in folic acid include whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes. Folate is essential for cell growth and recommended daily for women who may become pregnant to support early fetal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Food options that are rich in folic acid include whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B-vitamin that is vital for cell growth and metabolism. It can be found in a variety of foods like potatoes, bananas, beans, seeds, nuts, poultry, fish, eggs, and particularly in dark green leafy vegetables and organ meats. Other good sources include soy products and enriched breads and cereals. To maintain a well-balanced diet and ensure adequate intake of folic acid, individuals should make healthy fruit and vegetable choices, such as including a variety of green, yellow, red, and orange options, and prefer whole fruits over juices for higher fiber content.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that all women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods, as it is essential for the proper development of the baby during early pregnancy, even before a woman knows she is pregnant.