The benefits of spinach are many. Leafy greens like spinach provide more
nutrients than any other food, when compared calorie for calorie. Here
are some spinach facts to consider:
- The nutritional value of spinach indicates it to be a very nutrient-dense food. It is low in calories yet very high in vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients.
When you consume this healthy food, you don’t need to worry about your
weight-loss diet as you take in abundant, good-for-you nutrients.
This
leafy green is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium,
folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and
vitamin B6. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E,
zinc, dietary fiber, and copper. Plus, it’s a good source of selenium, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- One of the benefits of spinach is that this green is readily available,
nearly all over the world. Even though, with its abundant nutrient
profile, it sounds like an amazing super food, it’s still easy to find
in the market or easy to grow. In addition, it’s affordable.
- This is a versatile food. It can be eaten raw in a salad (and is much more nutritious than iceberg lettuce) or a spinach smoothie.
Or it can be cooked (lightly, please) and eaten as a dish on its own or
added to soups and other dishes. If boiling, use the least amount of
water possible for the shortest time.
- Spinach is loaded with flavonoids which act as antioxidants,
protecting the body from free radicals. Researchers have discovered at
least 13 different flavonoid compounds that act as anti-cancer
substances. The various nutrients offer much in the way of disease
protection.
Remember Popeye? He squeezed those cans of spinach
into his mouth and instantly developed muscles and super strength. Well,
he also may have been protecting himself against various illnesses and
conditions.
5. Another of the health benefits of spinach is that this is
a heart-healthy food.
It’s an outstanding source of vitamins C and A which are antioxidants
that help reduce free radical amounts in the body. The antioxidants work
to keep cholesterol from oxidizing. In addition, folate is good for a
healthy cardiovascular system, as well as magnesium, a mineral that
helps to lower high blood pressure.
6.
Gastrointestinal health can be guarded by eating more of this
food. The beta-carotene and vitamin C work to protect the cells of the
body’s colon from the harmful effects of free radicals. Also, DNA damage
and mutations in colon cells may be prevented by the folate that’s
present in this green leafy vegetable.
7. Some conditions that are identified as
inflammatory, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, migraine headaches, and asthma, may be helped because of the
anti-inflammatory properties of some of the nutrients found in spinach.
8. Studies have shown that consumption of green leafy vegetables such
as spinach may slow the age-related decline in brain function. So, eat
your greens and keep working those crossword puzzles to
keep your brain young and agile.
9. Have you heard of lutein? It’s a carotenoid found in spinach that is
protective against eye diseases
such as age-related cataracts and macular degeneration. There is some
indication that it might be absorbed better if you eat it with a little
fat, such as a sauce made with tahini, or the food that you’re eating it
with may contain some fat.
10. The mineral iron is particularly important for menstruating women
and growing children and adolescents. In comparison to red meat, spinach
provides a lot less calories, is fat and cholesterol free, and an
excellent source of iron. Because iron is a component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all body cells, it’s needed for good energy.
These are 10 wonderful benefits of spinach. However, there are a few things to be aware of that might not be so wonderful:
- Some people are allergic to spinach.
- Spinach is one of the high pesticide-containing foods, so it’s important to eat organic spinach if you can.
- The oxalates in spinach may interfere with the absorption of
calcium, as well as potentially crystallize. People who have kidney or
gallbladder problems may want to be careful about eating this green.
- It’s possible that it can interfere with proper thyroid gland
functioning, although cooking may reduce the goitrogenic compounds.
- Gout-prone people may be affected by the purines in this food.
Try this healthy spinach recipe - a delicious Veggie Benedict dish using this healthy green vegetable.
The Special Gazette Notification on price reduction of 48 widely used Essential Drugs has been issued this noon after Health Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne has signed it .
