Spinach is a great vegetable for your health. It looks like just a leaf but is packed full of minerals and vitamins. Spinach is used in many different country cuisines around the world but it originally came from the Middle East. It is provide many health benefits as well as being low in calories and high in nutrients. This vegetable contains vitamins A, K, C, B2, B6, and E. It also contains magnesium, manganese, folate, iron, potassium, copper and calcium. However it can have some negative effects if you suffer from kidney stones or blood clots so take care if you do have these.
Kidney Stones are a build-up of mineral salt and acid. Spinach is high in both calcium and oxalates so if you are prone to developing kidney stones it may cause you to develop a common type of kidney stone called calcium stones. In that case you should limit your spinach intake. Vitamin K1 does a number of things for our bodies including to help with blood clotting. Spinach is a vegetable that is high in this vitamin and therefore may interfere with blood-thinning medications. If you are taking these medications you should also limit the amount of spinach you eat.
Health benefits of spinach – Help to Prevent Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is caused by hardening of the arteries. Lutein which is in spinach may help to reduce atherosclerosis and in some cases prevent heart attack and stroke. Spinach may also help to reduce your cholesterol levels and decrease fat deposits in the arteries.
Inflammation
Spinach has anti-inflammatory compounds making it very effective when it comes to reducing inflammation in the body. By reducing inflammation, you are also reducing your risk of heart problems, gout, arthritis and many other major illnesses.
Eyesight
Spinach is a great source of beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which help your eyesight. These vitamins help with eye health, prevent vitamin A deficiency, eye ulcers and dry eyes. It may also help to reduce the effects of ultraviolet rays and help with cataracts.
Regulate Blood Pressure
Spinach has a very high potassium content and is low in sodium. This helps to lower blood pressure and regulate blood flow.
Neurological Benefits
Being high in antioxidants spinach can help with cognitive function. If eaten on a regular basis spinach can assist in reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, improve cognition, concentration, and neural activity.
Good for Skin
Antioxidants are important for normal skin cell development and healthy skin tone. This vegetable is also great for the production of collagen and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, helps to retain moisture to help the body with skin dryness, psoriasis and acne.
Spinach is therefore a versatile vegetable that can be eaten many ways and is great for your health. Add it to your dinner once a week minimum or to a salad and you will not only be healthier but you will find your dishes are tastier and more wholesome.
