Various Health Benefits Of Spinach

Ever wondered why Popeye was so obsessed with spinach. Spinach is a member of the family of vegetables that is considered as the nutritional powerhouse. Peppy green colored spinach leaves are not only appealing to the eyes but are rich in nutrients as well.

• Spinach is rich in Iron
  Spinach is well known for its nutritional benefits and has always been regarded as a vegetable with an outstanding ability to restore energy. There is a reason to this effect, mainly for the fact that it is rich in iron. Iron plays a central role in the function of red blood cells which help in transporting oxygen around the body, in energy production and DNA synthesis.

• Anti-oxidant properties of Spinach

       Green vegetables, as the spinach is, are an excellent source of beta-carotene. Beta- carotene helps to fight against the problems caused by free-radicals, because of its anti-oxidant properties.  Oxidative stress caused as a result of free radicals, is a key contributor to numerous health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and other serious health problems. Anti-oxidants help in protecting and repairing the skin from the damage caused by the sun. It also prevents problems related to eye health. This way diseases possibly caused due to deficiency of beta-carotene e.g. cataracts, can be avoided with the use of spinach in diets. Thus, spinach keeps heart and body healthy.

• Spinach has Phytochemicals
• Spinach possesses several important phytochemicals, including lutein. These phytochemicals help a person in preventing age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, research suggests that spinach can play a vital role in prevention of age related eye problems. Spinach also contains a compound called lipoic acid. This compound helps antioxidants, vitamins C and E to regenerate. Lipoic acid is an excellent source of energy; this is why it is the core of modern research studies.

• Spinach can prevent Cancer
  Research in cancer studies have shown that spinach consists of anti-cancer properties. There are more than a bunch of different flavonoid compounds in spinach that are powerful anti-cancer fighting agents. Also these studies show that spinach intake can decrease the incidence of breast cancer in women. The flavonoid and carotenoid content have anti-inflammatory substances and spinach is rich in both of these chemicals.
• Spinach and Bone health
  The role of spinach in the maintenance of bone health could not be ignored when talking about the multiple health benefits of spinach. Spinach contains Vitamin K which is important in maintaining bone health. It is also rich in nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, playing an important role in supporting bone strength.
• Maintenance of gastrointestinal health
  Spinach contains folates. The presence of folate and vitamin C along with beta-carotene make this vegetable a powerful weapon in guarding our gastrointestinal health.
• Spinach maintains Blood Pressure
  Angiotensin causes vasoconstriction and ultimately an increase in blood pressure. Spinach has been shown to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme. This aids in decreasing blood pressure.
• Spinach and Immunity
  Lymphocytes, commonly called as white blood cells, rely on beta carotene to help fight infection. As spinach contains high amounts of Vitamin A , intake of spinach boost the immune system of a person.
• Healthy vibrant Skin
  High concentrations of Vitamin A help in making skin look vibrant, fresh and healthy. Also the skin is healthy enough to fight acne, keep normal levels of moisture and prevents formation of wrinkles.
• Ovarian and Prostate Cancers
  Modern research has concluded that eating spinach combats ovarian and prostate cancers. Carotenoids in spinach make prostate cancers destroy themselves. This same carotenoid, after being changed by the intestines, prevents prostrate cancer from reproducing itself. Spinach also contains kaempferol, a strong antioxidant. This chemical substance prevents the formation of cancerous cells. Women who have a high intake of this flavonoid are at lesser risk of developing ovarian cancer. This is because kaempferol has the ability to reduce cancer cells proliferation.
Due to its abundant health benefits it has been recommended to include spinach in regular diet in order to stay healthy. One of the many health benefits of spinach is that it is an excellent source of iron, supplying surplus amounts of energy. Also it helps cardiac patients in maintain health as it lowers blood pressure and prevents hardening of arteries.
Spinach helps kick off the free radicals as they are rich in antioxidants i.e. vitamins and carotenoids. It contains components that help bone and nerve development and help in the efficient working of central nervous system (CNS). One and a half cups raw (85g) provides a rich source of folate, potassium, and magnesium, as well as an excellent source of manganese, and vitamins A, C, and K. This same serving also provides a good source of iron. In addition, spinach is a top source of the eye-healthy carotenoids; lutein and zeaxanthin, which have shown to lower risk of cataract development. Spinach may also help in maintaining mental sharpness and reducing the risk of cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon and prostate. Lastly, it is worth mentioning, for the reason that they have diverse health benefits, it is highly recommended by WHFoods to enjoy meals that contain spinach as an essential part of it.