Powerful Health Benefits Of Spinach, Popeye was definitely on to something, as spinach is a superfood loaded with tons of nutrients, all in a low-calorie package!
Dark leafy greens like spinach are super crucial for skin and hair, bone health. Still, it also provides other health benefits like improving blood glucose, lowering the risk of cancer, lowering blood pressure, lowering the risk of developing asthma, and so much more.
Many do not know that most of the calories in spinach come from protein and that it is one of the best sources of dietary potassium, offering even more than a banana. Spinach is also a great source of iron which is essential, as a lack of iron in your diet can affect how efficiently your body uses energy.
Spinach is also one of the best sources of dietary magnesium, which is necessary for energy metabolism, muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, a healthy immune system, maintaining blood pressure, and playing a part in hundreds of other biochemical reactions that occur in the body.
If you have digestive disorders, have issues with alcohol, are an older adult, or are taking medications like antibiotics and diuretics. Spinach also contains vitamin K, fibre, phosphorus and thiamine.
Health Benefits of Spinach
Manages Diabetes
Spinach contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid that can lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity and prevent oxidative stress-induced issues from diabetes.
Aids Gastrointestinal Health & Weight Loss
Spinach is a very nutrient-dense food low in calories yet very high in vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. The antioxidant effects help minimize DNA damage and lessen the risk of colon cancer. The presence of folate, vitamin C, and beta-carotene makes this green gem a powerful weapon in guarding our gastrointestinal health. Spinach is also high in fibre and water content, which help prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract.
Boosts Immunity
Vitamin A helps fight infection and protects mucous membranes, including the respiratory, urinary and intestinal tract.
Antioxidant-Rich
Research suggests that spinach can play a vital role in preventing age-related eye problems such as macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants and essential in protecting the eyes (macula and the retina). Spinach is an excellent source of many other antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. Medical science shows that oxidative stress is a crucial contributor to numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer and an overall decrease in longevity.
Anti-Inflammation & Anti-Cancer Benefits
There are more than a dozen different flavonoid compounds in spinach, and these are powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer fighting agents. Medical studies show that spinach intake can potentially decrease the incidence of breast cancer in women. Inflammation plays a detrimental role in causing a variety of disease processes. The flavonoid and carotenoid content have anti-inflammatory substances and are plentiful in the leaves of the spinach plant.
Further, spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll, which has been shown to block the carcinogenic effects of “heterocyclic amines” generated when grilling foods at a high temperature.
Asthma Prevention
Benefits of spinach for Asthma, The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, of which spinach is an excellent source.
Benefits of Spinach for Lowers Blood Pressure
Because of its high potassium content, spinach is recommended to those with high blood pressure, as it negates the effects of sodium in the body. Low potassium levels are a significant risk factor in developing high blood pressure.
Excellent For Anemia
The mineral iron is essential for menstruating women, as well as growing children and adolescents. In comparison to red meat, spinach provides fewer calories, is fat and cholesterol-free, and is an excellent source of iron, a component of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all body cells; it’s needed for good energy.
Benefits of Spinach Bone Health
Adequate vitamin K consumption is essential for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium. Low intake of vitamin K is associated with a higher risk for bone fracture.
Reduces Calcification
Calcium buildup in blood vessels is a contributing factor to heart disease and stroke. The Vitamin K found in spinach helps prevent calcium from depositing in our tissues and blood vessels.
Benefits of Spinach for Healthy Skin & Hair
Spinach is high in vitamin A, which is necessary for sebum production to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also essential for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Spinach and other leafy greens high in vitamin C are imperative for building and maintaining collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.
Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which can be prevented by an adequate intake of iron-rich foods like spinach.
Benefits of spinach for Brain Function
Studies have shown that consuming green leafy vegetables such as spinach may slow the age-related decline in brain function. The protective sheath around our nerves relies on vitamin K to help synthesize this vital protective covering. Vitamin K found in spinach is essential for the overall health of our nervous system.
Incorporating Spinach Into Your Diet
Spinach is a very versatile vegetable and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is available fresh, frozen or canned, and can be used in pasta dishes, soups, smoothies and casseroles.
