Quite simply, spinach is a superfood. It has this label because it’s loaded full of nutrients and minerals that help improve your health in a number of ways. This dark, leafy green is highly important for maintaining healthy skin, bones, hair, and general health. It’s been used to help aid health and medication for centuries by a range of different cultures.
What’s great is that it’s extremely easy to incorporate spinach into your diet. There are so many healthy and easy to follow recipes you can try which use spinach to bulk out your favorite meals.
Spinach is highly recognizable due to its frequent use as the go-to power source of the cartoon character, Popeye. Eating spinach would see Popeye’s muscles grow suddenly and help him to defeat his enemies with his new-found strength. Whilst there could potentially be some truth in this and eating spinach is certainly beneficial, the effects seen in Popeye cartoons may be slightly exaggerated. Here are some of the real health benefits of spinach.
# Reduce the Impact of Free Radicals
Free radicals occur as a byproduct of your metabolism doing its job. The main problem is that they can also cause oxidative stress to your cells. This, in turn, can lead to premature signs of aging and increase your risk of cancer and diabetes. Thankfully, spinach has a high level of antioxidants which helps to fight oxidative stress. This makes spinach great for reducing many of the effects of free radicals.
# Eye HealthSpinach contains a high level of substances call zeaxanthin and lutein. These are largely what gives the leaves their dark green color. Well, our eyes contain the same high quality of color pigmentations. The high level of pigmentation in our eyes is what helps to protect them from sunlight.
By eating spinach, we keep the levels of pigments in our eyes maintained and therefore maintain the sun protection in them. Furthermore, these pigments are also known to help protect against a number of causes of blindness. Some studies even suggest that by consuming foods like spinach which contain these pigments, we may be able to reverse some existing damage.
# Cancer PreventionSpinach contains two compounds which are known to help slow down cancer growth. Several studies have linked eating spinach to a reduction in the growth of cancer tumors. The leafy food seems to be most impactful against breast cancer. As previously mentioned, spinach also contains high levels of antioxidants, which could largely be a contributing factor to its cancer fighter abilities.
# Blood PressureThe high level of nitrates in spinach are responsible for a number of its health benefits. Nitrates have been shown to help control blood pressure and keep it at a steady level. As such, it can help to reduce the risk of conditions such as a stroke or heart attack.
# High Levels of IronGetting enough iron into your diet is crucial for energy levels, oxidized blood cells and a host of other bodily functions. Spinach contains loads of it! Try combining these leafy greens with citrus fruits. This’ll help with your mineral absorption to really get the most out of your new iron source.
# Great Source of CalciumSpinach contains high levels of calcium, as much as 250 mg per cup of leaves. Calcium has a number of uses in the body but the most recognized is its positive effect on bone and teeth strength. However, it can be hard for the body to absorb the calcium without a little help, so try combining spinach with dairy products.
# High Levels of MagnesiumSpinach is also one of the best dietary sources of magnesium. This particular mineral is used in the regulation of your metabolism, muscle maintenance, nerve function and regulating your heart rhythm. It plays a huge number of roles within the body so it’s important that you make sure you get enough.
#
Diabetes ManagementSpinach contains a number of antioxidants. One, in particular, alpha-lipoic acid, is known to help lower the levels of glucose in your blood. This is hugely beneficial for those suffering from diabetes. It’s ability to prevent oxidative stress also makes it a great addition to a diabetic’s diet.
# Asthma PreventionA study of over 400 children with asthma compared to over 500 children who did not suffer from the condition highlighted the fact that children with asthma struggle to take in certain nutrients. One of the nutrients they struggle to take in is beta-carotene which Spinach has lots of! This is thought to have the potential to ease asthma-related symptoms.
# Bone HealthBecause spinach contains high levels of calcium, it’s an obvious aid for bone strength. Not only that but it also has high levels of vitamin K which helps to improve the absorption of calcium. It does this by reducing the amount of calcium that is lost through urine. Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture.
# Promotes Digestive RegularityAnother health benefit of spinach is its high fiber content. This helps to regulate your bowel movements and aid a smooth digestion process.
# Healthy SkinSpinach has large quantities of many vitamins and minerals. But it’s its high levels of vitamin A which are most beneficial to the skin. This particular vitamin helps to moderate the levels of oil produced by your pores and hair follicles.
A small amount of this natural oil helps to moisturize the skin, but too much can clog pores and cause pimples. By managing the production of oil spinach helps to keep your skin looking smooth and clear. Spinach also contains high levels of vitamin C which is crucial for the production of collagen which helps to give your skin it’s firm structure.
# Reduce Hair Loss
Did you know that an iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss? Well, because spinach contains such high levels of iron it’s great for reducing the risk of baldness and can strengthen your existing hair.
# Treats Macular DegenerationStudies have indicated that eating spinach can increase the occurrence of vital pigments in the eye that reduces the risk of macular degeneration. It’s ability to fight off free radicals also helps to prevent age-related conditions such as glaucoma which could cause blindness if left untreated.
# Provides Neurological BenefitsPotentially one of the most outstanding health benefits of spinach is its ability to provide neurological benefits. The high quantities of potassium, folate, and antioxidants contained in spinach are known to benefit the brain. In fact, many studies suggest that it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Potassium, in particular, is crucial for brain health as it can increase blood flow to the brain. This improved cognition and concentration.