What do spinach contain

In order to get the best out of iron content, you can add some vitamin C foods such as citrus fruits to spinach and improve your absorption of iron content.

Spinach is linked to numerous health benefits that improve your eyesight, cancer prevention and regulates blood sugar.

This is the actual reason why this leafy green is considered a superfood. Here are some health benefits of spinach that you need to know. Spinach has a high source of zeaxanthin and carotenoids that can flush out the free radicals from your body. These free radicals make your body prone to many diseases including cancer and as a result, spinach is said to prevent cancer. So all you need to do is to consume spinach and prevent yourself from stomach cancer , mouth cancer and oesophagus cancer.

Spinach is said to have high potassium content that is usually recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure. So how does potassium benefit a person suffering from high blood pressure?

Well, potassium reduces the effects of sodium in the body. Spinach contains vitamin K that aids in good bone health and this means adequate consumption of vitamins can do good to your health. It also improves the calcium absorption by your body. Spinach contains milligrams of calcium per cup and this is much required by your bones and teeth. Calcium is a strengthening agent for your bones and keeps your bones healthy.

If you are planning to reduce your weight, then it advised that you add spinach onto your weight loss diet and this will do you good. Spinach leaves aids in weight loss and also are low in calories.

Its high amounts of fibre content also help in good digestion, regulates low blood sugar and prevents constipation. All you need to do is to consume spinach once a day and this will do good for your health. Spinach makes feel full and curbs your appetite.

So adding this to your everyday diet will help benefit you in multiple ways. The antioxidants that are found in spinach are lutein and zeaxanthin and these help in providing good eyesight.

It also protects yours from cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and other eye problems. The vitamin A found in spinach helps to maintain mucus membranes that are essential for normal eyesight. This may help prevent constipation. Spinach is low in carbs but high in insoluble fiber.

This type of fiber may benefit your digestion. Spinach is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including 3 :. Spinach also contains several other vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9, and E. Spinach is an extremely nutrient-rich vegetable. It packs high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium.

Spinach contains several important plant compounds, including 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 :. Spinach boasts many plant compounds that can improve health, such as lutein, kaempferol, nitrates, quercetin, and zeaxanthin. Free radicals are byproducts of metabolism. They can cause oxidative stress, which triggers accelerated aging and increases your risk of cancer and diabetes However, spinach contains antioxidants , which fight oxidative stress and help reduce the damage it causes.

One study in eight healthy people found that spinach helped prevent oxidative damage. Although this study was quite small, its findings are backed up by other animal and human research 12 , 13 , Spinach is rich in zeaxanthin and lutein , which are the carotenoids responsible for color in some vegetables. Human eyes also contain high quantities of these pigments, which protect your eyes from the damage caused by sunlight Additionally, several studies indicate that zeaxanthin and lutein work to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, which are major causes of blindness 16 , 17 , 18 , These compounds may even be able to reverse existing damage 20 , They also decreased the size of the tumor 22 , Several human studies link spinach consumption to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

Spinach contains approximately mg of calcium per cup. However, it is less easily absorbed than calcium obtained from dairy sources. Spinach has a high oxalate content, which binds to calcium. This makes it difficult for our bodies to use. Spinach is also one of the best sources of dietary magnesium, which is necessary for energy metabolism, maintaining muscle and nerve function, regular heart rhythm, a healthy immune system, and maintaining blood pressure.

Magnesium also plays a part in hundreds more biochemical reactions that occur in the body. Spinach contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent oxidative, stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes.

Studies on alpha-lipoic acid have also shown decreases in peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy in diabetics. However, most studies have used intravenous alpha-lipoic acid, and it is uncertain whether oral supplementation would elicit the same benefits.

Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll. Several studies, including this study carried out on 12, animals, have shown chlorophyll to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines. A study of children with asthma between the ages of 6 and 18 years, and children without, showed that the risks for developing asthma are lower in people who have a high intake of certain nutrients.

One of these nutrients is beta-carotene. Spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene. Due to its high potassium content, spinach is recommended for people with high blood pressure. Potassium can help reduce the effects of sodium in the body.

Back to Recipes Vegetable soups Healthy soups See more. Back to Recipes Chicken curry Pasta See more. Back to Recipes Smoothies Autumn drinks See more. Back to Recipes Whole foods recipes Healthy dinners See more. Back to Recipes Vegetarian dinners Quick vegetarian See more. Back to Recipes Vegan storecupboard Vegan baking See more. Back to How to Roast timer Conversion guides.

Back to Health Is air-frying healthy? Dairy-free diet Popular diets Healthy meal subscriptions Best vegan protein powders. Home How to Guide Top 5 health benefits of spinach. What is spinach? Claim the offer.