I have one more post on folate to share before I leave it behind. It is a recipe I use to help my family eat more greens,
including the folate-powerhouse spinach.
Goal:
Eat more folate-rich foods, including greens.
Why:
Some people–maybe you–can’t metabolize the form of folate called folic acid very well. Folic acid is what is added to most grain-based processed foods and used in most vitamins. These people do much better with folates found naturally in foods. Since they don’t metabolize folic acid very well, their bodies are basically functioning on a “folate deficiency” despite adequate intake of folic acid.
So what?
I don’t know. Which reason do you want? Folate deficiency may play a role in depression? Bipolar disorder? Birth defects? Anemia? Atherosclerosis? Alzheimer’s? Chronic fatigue syndrome? Gout? Hearing loss? Blood clots?
Although the research on folate’s connection to many of these conditions is not clear-cut, there are some suggestions. On something as simple as eating real, folate-rich food, I don’t see a need to wait around for the million dollar research study.
Plan:
When it comes to folate, spinach leads the pack. I use this simple dressing which the kids enjoy to deliver folate-rich greens, including spinach, to my family.
Folate Delivery Dressing
1/3 cup of bacon drippings
1/4 cup of maple syrup (or honey or sweetener of choice)
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
Diced onion (may omit)
Salt and pepper to taste
Spinach (or greens of choice)
Heat bacon drippings in skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add onions and saute until golden brown. Add the maple syrup and whisk. Allow to thicken and bubble. Add apple cider vinegar and whisk again. Allow it to reduce and thicken a little. Salt and pepper to taste.
Use the dressing to pour over fresh spinach, tossing to wilt. Use just enough to coat as desired. Alternatively, the greens may be added to the pan and cooked a little.
Bottom Line:
Nutrient deficiencies abound. Not huge deficiencies that can be pointed at directly. But little micronutrient deficiencies. Feed yourself and your families fresh vegetables, fruits, and foods to overcome these deficits. You’ll feel the difference! It is important. I just wish I could emphasize this enough!
Thank you to my lovely, young daughters for the graphics on this post.
~~Terri
The HSD 