Health Benefits of Spinach

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is packed with vital nutrients such as iron and beta-carotene and it’s a good source of fiber.  Spinach contains choline and inositol, the substances that help to prevent atherosclerosis or disease of the arteries.  Studies have demonstrated that diets high in dark green vegetables such as spinach are associated with decreased risk of colon cancer.

Varieties of Spinach
a). Savoy
Savoy has crinkly, curly leaves with a dark green color. Savoy is often sold in fresh bunches. Springy and crisp, savoy spinach is good in salads.

b). Semi-savoy 
Semi-savoy spinach has crinkled leaves. The leaves have some texture, but are not as hard to clean as the savoy.

c). Flat or smooth-leaf
Flat or smooth-leaf spinach has smooth, spade-shaped leaves. These leaves are easier to clean than savoy. Flat-leaf spinach is used for canned and frozen spinach. It can also be found in soups, baby foods, and other processed foods.

d). Baby 
Baby spinach is very young spinach, usually the flat leaf type. Being very tender, baby spinach is often used in salads since it is very tender.

Nutritive Values : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 9,420 I.U.  
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .11 mg.;  
• Riboflavin : .20 mg.;  
• Niacin : .6 mg.  
• Vitamin C : 59 mg.  
• Good source of Vitamin k : amount undetermined.  
• Calcium : 81 mg  
• Iron : 3.0 mg.  
• Phosphorus : 55 mg.  
• Potassium : 470 mg.  
• Carbohydrates : 3.2 gm.  
• Protein : 2.3 gm.  
• Calories : 20 

Health Benefits of Spinach: 
1. Spinach contains choline and inositol, the substances that help to prevent atherosclerosis or thickening and hardening of arteries.
2. Spinach and alfalfa help stabilize blood sugar among diabetics. Make a drink by getting several handful of spinach, add 3 cups of water. Place over low heat for one hour. Then strain. Take ½ cup twice a day. Spinach and alfalfa may be served as part of the meal.
3. Spinach is loaded with flavonoid that functions as antioxidant and anti-cancer agent.
4. Spinach contains carotenoid that help fights cancer.
5. Spinach is a rich source of Vitamins C and A.
6. Spinach is an anti-aging vegetable.
7. Spinach is a good source of Vitamin K, which aids in the formation of the blood substance required for clotting of blood. Spinach is also helpful in the following cases ; Anemia, Tumors, Constipation, Insomnia, Obesity, Neuritis (inflammation of nerves), Nerve exhaustion, High blood pressure, Bronchitis, Colon cancer, Prostate cancer, Breast cancer, Osteoporosis, Dyspepsia (chronic indigestion), Also helps ailment of the kidneys, bladder and liver.
8. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant and a part of the carotenoid vitamin family.Carotenoids are found in brightly colored green, red, and orange vegetables, and red or orange fruits. The brighter the color of a fruit or vegetable, the more beta-carotene it has. Our bodies use beta-carotene to make vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and skin and bone health. Some studies show beta-carotene may reduce the risk of heart disease. Spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene.