Bright, vibrant-looking spinach leaves are not only appealing to the eye but nourishing as well. Spinach is a super food loaded with tons of nutrients in a low calorie package. Spinach is a very versatile vegetable and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is available fresh, frozen or canned. Here are some tips for you to incorporate more spinach into your regular diet. Spinach is one of the best sources of dietary potassium, weighing in at 839mg per cup (cooked). It is also a great non-heme source of iron, along with lentils, tuna and eggs. Spinach also contains vitamins K, fibre, phosphorus, thiamine and magnesium. Dark leafy greens like spinach are important for skin, hair and bone health.
The possible health benefits of consuming spinach include:
Rich in Antioxidants
Spinach is an excellent source of other antioxidant nutrients — including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, manganese, zinc and selenium. Phytonutrients, mainly Flavonoid and Carotenoid, found in spinach, provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Anti-ageing benefits are also found in spinach due to it’s antioxidant properties. Spinach is loaded with tons of antioxidants that destroy free radicals in your body. These free radicals damage your skin, thereby causing pre-mature ageing.
Improves Bone Health
Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin-K. Vitamin K-rich foods are good for bone health, and it is difficult to find vegetables that are richer in vitamin K than spinach. Spinach is also an excellent source of other bone-supportive nutrients including calcium and magnesium.
Lowering blood pressure
Hypertension or high blood pressure is responsible for causing kidney disease, heart ailments and stroke. Because of its high potassium content, spinach is recommended to those with high blood pressure to counter the effects of sodium in the body. Other high potassium foods include potatoes, tomatoes, lima beans and oranges
Healthy skin and hair
Spinach is high in vitamin A, which is necessary for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair tissues. Spinach and other greens leafy vegetables are high in vitamin C and are imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.
Stress Reliever
Spinach keeps the body relaxed and completely stress free. It contains tremendous amounts of zinc and magnesium which enable you to sleep better at night, thus making way for more effective healing. Magnesium helps in replenishing your lost energy within seconds. Good quality sleep rests your tired eyes and body.
Aids in Weight Loss
Spinach helps in weight reduction as it is low in calories. It is very nutritious and has a high amount of fat soluble dietary fibre. This fibre aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar and curbs overeating. Thus, this leafy vegetable is often recommended to dieters.
Sun Protection
Spinach is rich in vitamin B, which protects your skin from the harmful ultra violet rays that cause sun damage, skin cancer and pre-mature ageing of skin.
Make spinach a part of your regular diet to benefit in multiple ways. Not only is it a great weight loss food, it promotes overall health and prevents various ailments and diseases.