The Most Nutritious Whole Foods

Folate

What is it: Also known as folic acid. A chemically complex vitamin found naturally in foods, folate requires enzymes in the intestine to aid in its absorption.

Why you need it: Aids fetal development in pregnancy, helps produce red blood cells, prevents anemia, helps skin cells grow, aids nervous system function, prevents bone fractures, and lowers risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

BEST SOURCES
Cooked lentils (1 cup, 229 calories)
89 percent daily value
Cooked navy beans (1 cup, 258 calories)
63 percent daily value
Cooked beets (1 cup, 74 calories)
34 percent daily value
Cooked split peas (1 cup, 231 calories)
31 percent daily value
Papaya (118 calories)
28 percent daily value
Mustard greens (1 cup, 21 calories)
25 percent daily value
Raw peanuts (1/4 cup, 207 calories)
21 percent daily value
Flaxseeds (2 tbsp., 95 calories)
13 percent daily value
Orange (61 calories)
10 percent daily value
Raspberries (1 cup, 60 calories)
8 percent daily value