This week is National Folic Acid Awareness Week. Folate is a B vitamin and folic acid is the man-made version of this vitamin. Consuming an adequate amount of folate or folic acid is extremely important for women during their child bearing years. A deficiency can cause spina bifida and other neural tube defects in unborn children during the first weeks of development. Foods rich in folate include strawberries, oranges, whole-grain breads and dark green leafy vegetables. Folic acid is found in foods like fortified breads and cereals. To learn more about the importance of folate and to view a list of foods rich in folate, visit eatright.org.

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl RD