Benefits Of Spinach
The Hidden Benefits of Spinach
The benefits of spinach include its ability to cleanse the body and aid in digestive tract, intestine, and colon health. Spinach is rich in nutrients and can help prevent and relieve many common health problems.
Oxalic acid in spinach has caused some concern that spinach intake should be limited. Oxalic acid can prevent the absorption of iron and calcium. Cooked and processed spinach does contain the form of oxalic acid that could be harmful, but raw or steamed spinach containing oxalic acid is actually beneficial for you. For this reason, limit the amount of cooked and processed spinach that you consume.
Spinach is chock full of nutrients, containing more of certain nutrients per pound than all other vegetables. The variety of nutrients in spinach is simply amazing and consists of vitamins A, B, C, E, K, folate, carotene, manganese, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, among others. Spinach is also very rich in protein, pound for pound offering the same amount of protein as is available from meats.
Spinach is very alkaline. This property of spinach makes it a great food for anyone suffering from gout or arthritis, since its alkalinity makes it a natural anti-inflammatory. The alkaline properties of spinach are also helpful in cleansing tissues and maintaining the proper ph in the blood. This helps combat incidences of acidosis.
A well known benefit of spinach, thanks to Popeye the sailor, is that it contains a large amount of iron. The form of iron in spinach makes it particularly easy to absorb. Iron contributes to muscle formation and it regenerates red blood cells and therefore helps to combat anemia. The rich supply of iron is especially beneficial to women in general and especially pregnant women. The benefits of spinach also reach the fetus in the form of folic acid, which is essential for the prevention of certain birth defects.
Spinach is full of anti-oxidants, which help to rid your body of free radicals. Free radicals have been implicated as a cause of several heart diseases and cancers. Spinach consumption helps to decrease the risk of atherosclerosis. Besides anti-oxidants, spinach also contains plentiful amounts of carotene (lutein) and chlorophyll. These substances aid in fighting and preventing cancers. Studies have proven that spinach contains certain properties that slow down the division of cancerous cells and therefore the growth of tumors.
Digestive tract health is another one of the well established benefits of spinach. Spinach contains a high amount of fiber, which is important for digestive and colon health. Fiber helps materials move through the system which cleans out accumulated waste materials. Spinach also helps to repair and heal the digestive tract which is helpful in treating colitis and stomach ulcers.
The vitamin A and carotenoid content of spinach rivals that of carrots. These agents can help to prevent eye problems as we age. Macular degeneration, night blindness and cataracts can be postponed or completely prevented by an adequate consumption of vitamin A.
High blood pressure and osteoporosis have also been proven to be prevented or improved through the addition of spinach to your diet. Certain compounds, including vitamin K, are essential in preventing these diseases.
In order to get all of the benefits of spinach, eat it raw as often as possible. When shopping for spinach, try to choose organic if it is available. Spinach leaves tend to collect dirt, so wash spinach leaves thoroughly before using them in your meals. An easy way to add spinach to your diet is to substitute spinach for lettuce in salads and on sandwiches. The only precautionary note regarding adding spinach to your diet is that it has been known to be an allergen in some people. If you have a tendency toward allergies, introduce this food slowly to your diet and keep an eye out for any reactions or allergy symptoms.