Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable with a high nutritional value. Scientifically known as Spinacia Oleracea, spinach belongs to the amaranth family and is related to beetroots and quinoa.
You can have it raw in salads, steamed, blended in a soup or sautéed with other veggies. It is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways.
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C and K, magnesium, iron and manganese. Eating this leafy green veggie may benefit eye health, reduce oxidative stress and reduce blood pressure levels among other health functions.
Whether you like it or not, spinach is surely one veggie that you must include in your daily diet.
Here are 5 benefits of Spinach you should know:
1. Strengthens your bones
Spinach is a rich source of Vitamin K which helps in promoting a the production of a protein called Osteocalc and that is responsible for stabilizing calcium in the bones. In addition to being rich in vitamin K, spinach is also a great source of calcium and vitamin D, dietary fibre, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C, all of which are important nutrients that are good for bone health.
2. Strengthens your eyesight and immune system
Spinach contains beta carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and chlorophyll – all of which are responsible for improving your eyesight and boosting your immune system. Lutein and zeaxanthin are stored in the macula, which is a part of the retina that acts as a natural sunblock, shielding your eye from damaging light. This will also help lower the risk of macular degeneration; which is why most people are advised to eat more and more greens.
3. Repels bacteria and viruses
Spinach is high in vitamin A which helps our skin and mucous membranes to repel various kinds of bacteria and viruses effectively. Moreover, this vitamin is necessary for sebum production to keep hair moisturised. Vitamin A is good for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. So load up on more greens to reduce the risk of hair loss and infections.
4. Promotes heart health
Vitamin C in spinach is known to have the ability to prevent wrinkles and protect us from eye diseases, prenatal health problems and cardiovascular diseases. It is also the presence of lutein content that prevents thickening of walls of arteries, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks. Moreover, it contains nitrite that not only helps in preventing the occurrence of heart attack but also cures the heart diseases associated with fat deposition.
5. Keeps you energized
Spinach provides you with the required levels of magnesium in your body which helps you to generate energy for your day to day chores. Spinach is also a great source of folate, a nutrient that helps your body turn food into usable energy. Moreover, making your body more alkalised can help you keep energised through the day and spinach is one veggie that is alkaline in nature.
