Folic acid stimulates cell growth and regeneration, enhances red blood cell creation, and even prevents against depression, which is important for people of all ages. Pregnant women benefit even further from folic acid because it prevents against fetal deformities. If you want to take advantage of the many benefits of folic acid, here are a few of the best food sources.

1. Dark, leafy greens. Dark green colored vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are some of the very best sources of folic acid, and even just one large salad filled with these leafy foods can provide you with enough folic acid for the entire day. Spinach is especially beneficial, as it contains 65% of your daily value in only one cup.
2. Citrus fruits. Oranges, grapefruits, and other citruses have more folic acid than all other types of fruits. One papaya alone offers 115 mcg of folic acid, which is about 29% of the average person’s recommended daily intake.
3. Beans, peas and lentils. While not all of these foods are high in folic acid, there are a few beans, peas, and lentils that contain impressively large quantities of the B-complex vitamin. Lentils are especially high in folic acid, containing over 90% of your daily intake in just one cup. Pinto beans, garbanzo beans, and black beans are also very good sources.

Surprising Sources of Folic Acid [Yahoo! Shine]
Foods High in Folic Acid [Prenatal Vitamin HQ]
15 Foods High in Folic Acid [Global Healing Center]
18 Foods High in Folic Acid to Prevent Cancer & Birth Defects [Bembu]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/misskei

If you're an avid crafter, then you're likely already acquainted with Painted Pony ‘n Quilts. This 8,500-square-foot store in La Porte houses more than 10,000 bolts of fabric, as well as everything else creative types require to maintain a hobby in the fabric arts: quilting patterns, sewing machines, quilting kits, notions, books, and much more.

For both the novice or experienced sewer, Painted Pony 'n Quilts hosts instructional sewing classes in topics like paper piercing, applique, and machine quilting. These informal, affordable classes are a great way to further your craft. Or if you prefer, enroll in one of Painted Pony 'n Quilts's many events and clubs, and you'll be introduced to people who share your interest in embroidery, quilting, historical fabrics, and wool.

Painted Pony ‘n Quilts is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Painted Pony ‘n Quilts
1015 S. Broadway Street
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 471-5735
www.ppnq.com
www.yelp.com/biz/painted-pony-n-quilts-la-porte

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/tschiae

If you’ve got a big craving for plentiful portions of ocean-fresh seafood, a meal at Pappas Seafood House should be next on your calendar. This ultra-popular local chain was founded by the Pappas brothers in 1976 and has expanded steadily around the Southwest, now boasting nearly a hundred restaurants across seven states.

Pappas Seafood House in Webster has developed a loyal following for their generous portions of perfectly-seasoned food at great prices. Start your meal with an order of freshly-shucked Gulf Coast oysters on the half shell or a dozen iced Gulf shrimp. Their crispy stuffed avocado filled with shrimp tossed in creamy remoulade with pico de gallo salsa is also exceptional. For entrees, regulars rave about the seafood platter, the steamed crawfish, and the lobster and shrimp salad, but just about everything on the menu is worth trying. They also offer a fairly sizable gluten-free menu for people with dietary restrictions.

Pappas Seafood House
19991 I-45 South
Webster, TX 77598
(281) 332-7546
http://pappasseafood.com/home/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pappas-seafood-house-webster

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/karen_neoh