Which snack is recommended for a pregnant woman to increase her folic acid intake?

During pregnancy, adequate intake of folic acid is crucial as it helps prevent neural tube defects and supports the overall development of the fetus. Foods rich in folic acid include green, leafy vegetables and nuts, making this choice an excellent recommendation for pregnant women looking to enhance their folic acid intake.

Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are not only abundant in folate but also provide essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy pregnancy. Nuts, particularly almonds and walnuts, are good sources of folate as well as healthy fats and protein. Including these foods in the diet can significantly help expectant mothers meet their nutritional needs.

In contrast, the other options lack significant folic acid content important for pregnancy. Potato chips are typically high in unhealthy fats and sodium, providing no folate. Bread and butter contain minimal folic acid and primarily offer carbohydrates and fats, which are not sufficient for increasing folate levels. Chocolate and candies are often high in sugar and low in nutritional value, contributing nothing beneficial for folic acid intake. This emphasizes the importance of selecting snacks that contribute positively to the dietary needs during pregnancy.