Spinach is popularly known as a superfood. This is due to the high number of nutrients it contains. The good news is that this leafy green is extremely low in calories. Dark leafy greens, such as this one, provide tons of health benefits. Continue reading to find out how.
9 Health Benefits of Spinach
Regulates blood sugar levels
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide. Spinach is filled with an antioxidant called the alpha-lipoic acid, which was found to help boost insulin sensitivity, lower glucose levels, and prevent oxidative stress in diabetic patients. Studies have found that this leafy green can also decrease peripheral and/or autonomic neuropathy in these people. Most studies used intravenous ALA to support these claims, but researchers remain uncertain whether oral supplementation will provide the same effects.
There are various anti-inflammatory compounds present in this vegetable. In fact, they are more than a dozen. Spinach contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that your body will surely enjoy. It means that you are not only getting yourself protected from heart diseases and cancer, but you are also reducing the pain associated from conditions like gout and arthritis.
Potentially fights cancer
This leafy green contains chlorophyll, which can block carcinogens that come from grilled foods. Scientists have seen a dozen flavonoid compounds in the vegetable that work great as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents. One study even revealed that this vegetable can provide protection against prostate cancer.
Asthma is a common condition experienced by most people. Many of them have had it since birth. Your chances of developing asthma can be lowered when you consume tons of certain nutrients, such as beta-carotene. Spinach is a great source of such nutrient, along with broccoli, pumpkin, cantaloupe, and – of course – carrots.
Helps maintain good fetal health
The folate found in spinach helps a growing fetus during the development of the nervous system. Folate deficiency can cause birth defect, like spina bifida or cleft palate. Spinach also contains vitamin A, which the mother needs to consume in high quantities to boost fetal lung development. When consumed after birth, this vegetable helps the nursing mother produce healthy breast milk.
This leafy green is packed with beta carotene, xanthene, and lutein. All of these nutrients are highly beneficial for maintaining eye health. Beta carotene prevents people from experiencing vitamin A deficiency, eye ulcers, itchy eyes, and dry eyes. It is also the anti-inflammatory compounds present in the vegetable that helps reduce eye irritation or puffiness.
Improves bone health
Vitamin K deficiency may result in a higher risk for fracture. This is why adequate consumption of vitamin K is crucial to maintain good bone health, especially as you age. It helps improve calcium absorption, and may be able to reduce the urinary excretion of this essential mineral. One cup of spinach contains twice the number of vitamin K that your body needs every day. Since it also contains magnesium, including it in your daily diet will help keep your bones in great shape.
Keeps brain healthy
The antioxidants found in spinach are capable of providing neurological benefits. The folate present in this leafy green can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The potassium content of spinach, meanwhile, has been linked to improved blood circulation. These components, when taken regularly, will result in better concentration, cognition, and neural activity.
Lowers blood pressure
Spinach is highly recommended to people with hypertension (increased blood pressure). This is due to the potassium present in this leafy green. A low intake of this mineral can put you at risk of high blood pressure. Aside from spinach, other high-potassium foods include lima beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and oranges.