Spinach

What is Spinach?

Popeye was not wrong when he thought that spinach gave him more strength. It is now considered as one of the super foods because of its nutritional content. Spinach is thought to be a plant of Persian origin.

It is popular because of its taste, nutritional value and potential health benefits. It contains low calories, potassium, sodium, protein, iron, Calcium, fibres, Vitamins A and C.

There are numerous benefits of taking spinach least of which is that it is a cheap natural product. Other health benefits include:

• Spinach contains choline and inositol, the substances that help to prevent atherosclerosis or thickening and hardening of arteries.
• Spinach and alfalfa help stabilize blood sugar among diabetics. 
• Spinach is loaded with flavonoid that functions as antioxidant and anti-cancer agent. 
• Spinach contains carotenoid that help fights cancer. 
• Spinach is a rich source of Vitamins C and A 
• Spinach is an anti-aging vegetable. 
• Spinach is a good source of Vitamin K, which aids in the formation of the blood substance required for clotting of blood.
  

Lutein in spinach makes it one of the best foods in the world to prevent cataracts, as well as age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the elderly. Foods rich in lutein are also thought to help prevent cancer.

Side Effects and Warnings of Spinach

Though spinach is a plant, you should be very careful of its source. This is because spinach is one of the few plants that have been shown to contain pesticide residue even when washed. It is because of this that you are encouraged to only take organically grown spinach to avoid this risk.

Spinach also contains oxalates. When oxalates become too concentrated in the body, they can crystallise and cause health problems. It is for this reason that people who have kidney stones or gallstones are advised to avoid eating spinach.

Spinach is a relatively healthy food. However, those who have kidney problems, thyroid issues, or have allergic reactions to it must seek medical approval before using any dietary supplements containing spinach.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page