Spinach is one of the world’s most popular green vegetables, thanks largely to one Popeye, the sailor and of course, its amazing nutritional wealth! Spinach is rich in iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin K and proteins. When it comes to the culinary uses of spinach, the list is never ending, with still newer spinach recipes being invented every day! Surprisingly, spinach has still more to offer… Take a look at some of the lesser known health benefits of spinach.
- Spinach is low in calories and contains ample quantities of dietary fiber which makes it valuable for improving digestion and preventing obesity. The flavonoids present in spinach help in prevention of cancerous growths and, considering their effectiveness in slowing down the growth rate of cancer cells, are invaluable in cancer treatment. Spinach also contains selenium, beta-carotene and zinc, all, powerful anti-oxidants that are beneficial in cases of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.
- In addition to being a good source of vitamin C, spinach is also rich in folic acid and thiamin which are essential for proper working of bodily functions. While vitamin C boosts the cardio vascular system, folic acid is crucial in production of red blood cells and is deemed invaluable as a part of pregnant women’s diet.
- This might surprise you- this showy vegetable is very good for beauty! A diet rich in spinach will endow you with healthy skin and help prevent acne, psoriasis and wrinkles. Eating spinach is good for the vision, helps prevent eye diseases and curbs muscular degeneration that comes with old age.
- There’s hardly a body part that doesn’t benefit from regular spinach consumption! Spinach has been scientifically proven to enhance the body’s immunity, improve bone density and strength and boost the nervous system. Also, it helps in prevention of strokes, migraine head aches, osteoporosis and asthma.
Packed with health and nutrients, spinach is a truly wholesome food. And even if all its benefits and a reference to Popeye himself fails to make the kids take a bite, you can always retort to delicacies like casseroles, lasagna and other baked pasta recipes reinforced with spinach. Now, who’d say no to a plateful?