Why is spinach good for you?

Popeye was right when it comes to spinach – spinach is a superfood that helps your body perform at its best. A diet rich in vegetables, like spinach, gives your body what it needs to stay healthy. Nutritionists recommend eating four or more servings of vegetables a day. Because spinach is so healthy, it is suggested that you eat it at least four times a week.

A green leafy vegetable packed with fiber and other important vitamins and minerals, spinach is low in calories. Whether eaten raw or cooked, a cup of spinach has less than 32 calories.

Dark green spinach leaves are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are great for the eyes and heart. Spinach pigments also contain flavonoids called luteolin, which are phytochemicals with anti-cancer properties.

Spinach is rich in vitamins E, A, and K. Studies suggest that vitamin E protects your body against some cancers and heart disease. Your body uses vitamin K to help with blood clotting. The cells in your body use vitamin A to promote cell division. The body uses the beta-carotene found in spinach to create more vitamin A. It is also a powerful antioxidant that defends the body’s cells.

In addition to vitamins, spinach is high in folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals help your cardiovascular system. They also develop healthy nerves and muscles.

The health benefits of spinach are:

– Prevent cancer: The antioxidants in spinach have anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent cancer, according to the journal Nutrition and Cancer. Folate also contributes to a lower chance of ovarian cancer.

– Keeping your heart healthy: The antioxidant lutein relieves inflammation and plaque build-up in veins and arteries. The folic acid in spinach reduces homocystene levels which, in turn, are associated with heart disease. If your blood pressure is high, stick with fresh or frozen spinach, as they have less sodium than canned spinach.

– Building healthy bones: Foods rich in vitamin K, like spinach, help prevent weak bones. Vitamin K triggers the creation of osteocalcin, a protein involved in bone formation. The calcium and magnesium in spinach also help keep bones strong. Keep in mind that calcium from spinach is absorbed less efficiently than calcium from dairy.

– Best view: The retina, a form of vitamin A, is an important ingredient in the retina of the eye. Your eyes need vitamin A to function at their best. Lutein, vitamin E, and beta-carotene also help prevent vision loss in older people.

– Maintain mental focus: Studies show that diets with lots of spinach help maximize mental powers as you age. The folic acid in spinach is also crucial for cognitive function. Folic acid supplements, it should be noted, have little to no effect in this area, so you should stick with natural sources like spinach.

– Increase energy: The iron and folic acid in spinach help prevent anemia. This is often important for women with heavy menstrual periods.

– Fight infections: Vitamin E helps improve the immune system. The vitamin A in spinach produces white blood cells that destroy bacteria and viruses.

Almost all supermarkets carry fresh spinach throughout the year. Spinach generally costs less than other vegetables. It can be substituted for lettuce in salads and sandwiches, making them healthier. Remember that fresh spinach should be dark green and not wilted.

Be careful with canned spinach, as they are generally high in sodium. Check the labels on frozen spinach to see how much sodium it contains.

Keep unwashed spinach in your refrigerator until ready to use. Avoid washing the leaves before storing them, as it will deteriorate them. Before serving, rinse the leaves well under cold water to remove dirt and insects.

A delicious and healthy way to enjoy spinach is to make a fresh spinach salad with a small amount of olive oil. Olive oil will speed up the body’s absorption of lutein and vitamin A. Spinach can also be added to pasta sauce or even pizza. For a great mashed potatoes, try adding spinach, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. You can also add spinach to tortillas and quiche.

All in all, spinach is wildly healthy and makes a great side dish.