An eggcellent way to beat winter blues

 
Media Release

16 June 2009

An eggcellent way to beat winter blues

Feelings of wellbeing linked to nutrients found in eggs

With the shorter days and colder nights, many New Zealanders will start to feel the affects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), such as depression, weight gain and carbohydrate cravings.

While it’s easy to want to hibernate away, new research has shown the simplest way to combat the winter blues is to embrace a diet high in ‘mood nutrients’ – and to squeeze in some regular sunshine if you can.

Mood nutrients such as folate, iron, protein, omega-3s and vitamin D have been shown to positively affect a person’s mood and help alleviate the signs of depression (1).

As one of nature’s superfoods containing at least 11 vitamins and minerals, eggs are an excellent way to maintain good nutrition and provide your body with a range of important nutrients that may help improve your mood and keep your immune system strong during the colder winter months.

One serve (two x60g) eggs can contribute the following ‘mood nutrients’ to the diet:

NUTRIENTS

%RDI*

OTHER ROLES OF THESE NUTRIENTS

Protein

25%

Building and development of body enzymes, tissues and muscles

Iron

14%

Carrying oxygen around the bloodstream, required for growth and energy production.

Vitamin D

8%

Enhances the absorption of calcium and helps to maintain a healthy immune system.  Eggs are one of the only natural food sources of Vitamin D

Folate

49%

Growth and maintenance of healthy cells and red blood cell production.

Long chain Omega-3

71-127%

A1**

Helps with heart health

* Recommended dietary intake
**A1 Adequate intake
 

So stay positive this winter, improve your immunity - and be sure to eat your eggs!

Try our delicious Roasted Capsicum and Feta Quiche recipe below.

(1) Lin, P. Y et al J Clin Psychiatry 68, 1056-61 (2007); Gilbody, S. et al J Epidemiol Community Health 61, 631-7 (2007); Vahdat Shariatpanaahi, M et al. Eur J Clin Nutr61, 532-5 (2007); Hoogendijk WJ et al Arch Gen Psychiatry 65(5): 508-12 (2008 May).

Janine Steinmann’s Fitzy’s Salmon Filo Pies

6 eggs

200 g smoked salmon – Janine uses smoked salmon shavings

250 g cream cheese

375ml milk

375ml cream

2 Tbsp lemon juice

8-10 sheets of filo pastry

¼ cup oil

Salt and Pepper

Non-stick cooking spray

1.  Pre heat oven to 200°C.  Spray a Texas muffin pan with non-stick spray.  Take a sheet of filo, brush lightly with oil and fold in half lengthwise.  Brush again with oil and cut into three squares.  Place the squares on top of each other with the corners all pointing different ways.  Place the stack inside a greased muffin pan and continue lining the remaining pans in the same manner.

2. Beat the cream cheese until soft, and then mix in the eggs one at a time.  When all the eggs are combined, stir in the lemon juice, cream and milk.  Season with salt and pepper and pour into the prepared muffins pans.

3. Place a couple of slivers of smoked salmon into each pie, and place the pan into the preheated oven.  Cook for 30 minutes or until golden and set.  Serve warm or cold.

ends

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