Fruit can be a delicious source of folate, a B vitamin everyone needs, especially women who could become pregnant.

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, helps the body make and repair DNA, produce healthy red blood cells and prevent a type of anemia, says registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo, nutrition editor for TODAY.

Higher folate intake in young adulthood is also associated with lower blood pressure later in life, a study found, one of the nutrient's potential heart health benefits.

“It’s essential for cell growth and tissue formation, which is why it’s particularly important during times of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and adolescence,” Rizzo says.

The vitamin supports proper development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord in the early stages of pregnancy, plus the rapid cell divisio

See Full Page