Spinach – The Nutritional Powerhouse

Spinach is a miraculous green vegetable that is rich in minerals and vitamins. This leafy green can protect your bones and eyes and it can even reduce the risks of developing cancer. Spinach can be included in numerous recipes and you can also consume it raw in salads. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle and follow a wholesome diet, you should definitely include this vitamin powerhouse in your daily dishes. Now, let’s see what benefits this vegetable brings along.

Antioxidant Properties

To begin with, spinach is known for its antioxidant effects. It contains zeaxanthin and lutein, two compounds that are crucial in protecting the retina and the macula of your eyes. Numerous studies have found that this vegetable is extremely important for the health of your eyes as it prevents against conditions like macular degeneration. Spinach is also high in manganese, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Spinach fights against the oxidative stress that can trigger conditions like stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Combats Cancer

Spinach contains more than 12 flavonoid compounds that have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The studies have shown that the daily intake of spinach can prevent the development of breast cancer in females. This leafy vegetable can also fight inflammation, a problem that can lead to numerous health issues.

Promotes Gastrointestinal Health

As mentioned before, spinach has antioxidant properties and has the ability to reduce the DNA damage. At the same time, it has been proven to prevent colon cancer. Since it contains beta-carotene, vitamin C and folate, this vegetable can also protect your gastrointestinal health and aid digestion. For example, you can consume it when you suffer from constipation.

Healthy Bones

The health of your bones depends on vitamin K, a nutrient that is found in large amounts in spinach. Whether you eat the spinach boiled or fresh, you will still benefit from this property and vitamin. The boiled spinach, for instance, features more than 1000% of the daily vitamin K value. Spinach also contains magnesium and calcium that are also crucial in maintaining the health of your bones.

Glowing Skin

Spinach is rich in vitamin A, a nutrient that is very important for the health of your skin. By consuming spinach on a regular basis, you will be able to fight against wrinkles and the thickening of your skin and you will also combat acne and retain the moisture, so as to have a glowing and hydrated skin.

Lowers Blood Pressure

The proteins in the spinach stop the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and this decreases the blood pressure. Also, spinach is beneficial for the health of your heart, preventing strokes and heart attacks.

Boosts Immunity

As previously mentioned, spinach contains vitamin A, a nutrient that protects various mucous membranes such as the intestinal tract, urinary tract and respiratory membranes. At the same time, vitamin A protects the lymphocytes and combats the infections in the body. A cup of this leafy vegetable has more than 330% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin A.