Posted in Category : Foods that Heal | July 2, 2009

Spinach Health Benefits: What does Spinach do for you?

Spinach has numerous health benefits, including an ability to prevent many diseases. Among all the vegetables, spinach is considered as one of the top choices due to its nutritional properties. Spinach and other green leafy veggies are rich in calcium, vitamin K, and folic acid. Spinach is particularly rich in iron, but it is important to note that this iron is not absorbed unless the spinach is eaten with plenty of vitamin C. Besides, spinach also contains high volumes of vitamin C, carotenoids, and fiber, all of which are essential for healthy bodily functions. The calcium content of spinach is also very good for strengthening your bones. In addition vitamin A, magnesium and other nutrients help prevent cancer, especially of the lung and breast. In general, spinach protects us against heart diseases and is equally effective for your mind as well. The flaveonoids in spinach are thought to help protect us from memory loss related to age. Another vital ingredient of spinach is lutein; this is thought to prevent the formation of cataracts, as well as age related macular degeneration, which eventually leads to preventable blindness in the elderly.

Benefits of Eating Spinach

Spinach also contains certain useful nutrients like choline and inositol, which help in preventing the thickening and hardening of arteries that lead to various heart problems. Regular intake of spinach thus ensures that the arteries remain healthy. Spinach can be very useful for people suffering for diabetes as well. Regular consumption of spinach stabilizes your blood sugar and prevents it from fluctuating too much. Here is one traditional remedy that is thought to take advantage of this fact: take a handful of spinach, add 2-3 cups of water and heat it on a low flame for about an hour till it boils. Strain and cool the mixture, and then have about half a cup everyday. Spinach is also known as the anti-aging vegetable that slows down age related degeneration and prevents premature aging.

Spinach can be eaten raw as well as cooked. It cooks really fast and does not require the extra water. You just need to place it in a pan, cover it and leave it for about five minutes until it starts to wilt. The leaves can also be steamed or sauteed in olive oil with garlic for better taste. Its baby leaves are also great for salad dressing. One of the best things about spinach is that it is readily available anywhere in the world, in all seasons, and is very affordable.

• • •
Related Topics