Folic acid intake is important for pregnant women and helps promote heart health.
* Folic acid helps maintain healthy levels of homocysteine by helping convert homocysteine into methionine. 
* In addition, it plays a significant role in the health of red blood cells, and helps support a healthy nervous system.
 
Folate (vitamin B-9) is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. 
Folate is found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables, beans, peas and nuts