Health Benefits of Spinach
Health Benefits of Spinach. Spinach is a green leafy vegetable belonging to Amaranthaceae family and is native to western and central Asia. It is a superfood because of the various vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, etc. present in it, and because of all the health benefits provided by spinach.
Amazing & Surprising Facts Of Spinach
1. Fetus Development:
Spinach is very good for pregnant women because of the presence of important compounds like folate and vitamin A in spinach. Folate plays a very important role in the proper growth and development of a nervous system of the fetus, and also for preventing the fetus from the defects like cleft palate or spina bifida which may occur due to deficiency of folate. Spinach is also a rich source of vitamin A which is required for the lung development of the fetus. Vitamin A passes through breast milk which means consumption of spinach should be continued even by lactating mother.
2.Provides Neurological Benefits:
Consuming spinach on a regular basis can provide a lot of neurological benefits because of the presence of the several vital compounds like potassium, folate and various antioxidants present in spinach.
Spinach is a good source of folate, and this makes it a great vegetable for people who are at high risk of neural or cognitive decline, like Alzheimer’s disease because the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease can reduce the folate level of our body. And eating spinach helps in regaining that folate level back.
3. Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Antioxidants:
Researchers have identified more than a dozen different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents. In a recent study on the relationship between risk of prostate cancer and vegetable intake (including such healthy vegetables as broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts) only spinach showed evidence of significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.
4.Lowering Blood Pressure:
because of its high potassium content, spinach is recommended to those with high blood pressure to negate the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake may be just as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.
5. Protect Against Eye Disease:
Spinach is also rich in two carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin. These two guard against age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
6. Asthma prevention:
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. Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin and carrots are also rich sources of beta-carotene
7. Maintain Proper Metabolism:
Eating spinach has been found to be very effective in keeping our metabolism in good condition because of the high number of proteins present in spinach. The enzymes present in our digestive system can easily break down these proteins into amino acids which are known as building blocks of our body as they help in development and growth of muscles and also increase the ability of our body to heal wounds. Spinach boosts our entire metabolism and makes sure that every organ of our body function at their optimum level.
8. Strengthens the Bones:
One cup of fresh spinach (or 1/6 cup of cooked spinach) contains TWICE your daily vitamin K needs. This along with the calcium and magnesium in spinach is essential to maintain healthy bones.
9. Reduces Risk Of Gastric Ulcers:
Spinach is good for our stomach and eating spinach can reduce the occurrence of gastric ulcers in our body because of the ability of spinach to protect the mucous membrane of our stomach. Spinach is also a good source of glycoglycerolipids which plays an important role in making our digestive tract stronger and prevents us from any unwanted inflammation and the problems caused by that inflammation.
10. Healthy Skin and Hair:
Spinach is high in vitamin A, which is necessary for sebum production to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Spinach and other leafy greens high in vitamin C are imperative for the building and maintenance of 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.
11. Prevent Cholesterol :
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene which the body may convert to vitamin A. They work together to prevent oxidized cholesterol from building up in blood vessel walls.
12. Headache Cure :
Spinach is known to decrease blood pressure, alleviate headaches and prevent hangovers. This is thanks to riboflavin, a type of vitamin B, that’s linked to migraine prevention. Next time you feel the onset of a headache, run for the kitchen and make a healthy spinach salad.
