Spinach helps fight depression because it has properties that regulate mood, sleep and appetite due to its richness in folic acid, which is vitamin B9. The lack of folic acid in the body may be involved in the origin of the depression, so it is recommended that the patient with depression increase the consumption of foods rich in folic acid.
Spinach is a food against depression, because in 100 g of spinach there are 150 of folic acid. In depression the individual has low levels of the hormone serotonin and folic acid helps to increase this hormone.
The recommended dose of folic acid for the healthy adult is 400 mcg and the doctor should be consulted to assess vitamin B9 supplementation for depression. See all the benefits of spinach.
Spinach recipes for depression
1. Spinach cake
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs1 cup and a half of sifted brown sugar1 teaspoon of almond essence250 g of fresh, clean spinach leaves without the stalk yeast tea for cakes
Preparation:
Grind the spinach leaves in a blender until they have the consistency of puree. Beat the eggs very well with sugar and add the spinach puree, the olive oil, the almond essence, the lemon juice. After this mixture is well incorporated, add the sifted flour and yeast with the help of a wooden spoon. Go to the oven at 180ยบ in the form of a removable ring, greased with butter and sprinkled with flour, for 30 to 40 minutes.
Fill with pastry cream, to which you can add a few drops of almond essence and, if you prefer, decorate with sugar paste.
2. Spinach souffle
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of light margarine4 tablespoons of wheat flour1 cup (tea) of skimmed milk pepper and nutmeg to taste2 tablespoons of light cream cheese3 cups (tea) of cooked spinach, drained and chopped2 egg yolks2
Method of preparation:
In a pan, over high heat, melt the margarine and add the flour and milk, gradually, stirring constantly. Season with black pepper and nutmeg. Reduce heat and add cream cheese and spinach. Cook until the cheese melts. Beat the egg yolks with a fork and add to the spinach mixture, stirring well. Cook until thick. Turn off the heat, beat the egg whites and add to the mixture, stirring gently. Place in a greased pan (suitable for souffle) and place in the oven, preheated, for approximately 35 minutes, or until the souffle browns on top. Serve next.
Spinach is also rich in vitamin A, potassium and tryptophan, which increases the concentration of the hormone serotonin, which is the good mood hormone.
