The nutritional qualities of spinach are well known, and it has always been considered as a plant with important abilities to restore energy, increase vitality and improve blood quality.
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, C and folic acid. It is also rich in manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2.
Since ancient times, its large green leaves are used in the making of soups, different dishes or simply steamed.
Fortunately, we have the advantage of having spinach throughout the year.
Over time, it was discovered that spinach contains many properties that we can take advantage of, especially when consumed raw or combined with other ingredients with similar properties.
There are numerous reasons why we should include spinach in our usual menu.
Today we will see 10 reasons why consuming spinach brings health benefits.
1) They are anticancer:
Thanks to their high content of vitamin A and C, as well as in fibers, folic acid and phytonutrients, spinach has a positive action in the fight against cancer cells.
Flavonoids are important antioxidants and are able to stop cell division in stomach and skin cancer.
In addition, phytonutrients and fiber action may contribute to reducing the risk of other cancers such as:
– Breast cancer.
– Cervical cancer.
– Colon cancer.
– Prostate cancer.
One cup of spinach provides twice the recommended daily amount of vitamin K, an essential nutrient for proper absorption of calcium and control of osteoclasts, the cells involved in bone regeneration.
They also provide essential minerals such as magnesium, copper, zinc and phosphorus that allow good bone formation.
Spinach have numerous benefits for the heart, in principle thanks to the folic acid they contain that have the ability to reduce homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood.
Elevated levels of this substance are linked to potential cardiovascular risks that cause strokes and strokes.
They contain both choline and inotisol, two compounds that help prevent hardening of the arteries and poor blood circulation.
It is also known to increase muscle strength, something important for the heart that ultimately is also a muscle.
The folic acid of spinach is a nutrient especially recommended for pregnant women and children.
Spinach helps balance potassium and sodium levels and helps improve blood pressure as well as prevent heart inflammation.
4) Combat anemia:
Spinach contains high doses of iron, a mineral that allows the red blood cells to regenerate and are responsible for transporting oxygen to all cells of the body.
Through enzymes called citrocomos, spinach transmit energy to all cells helping to feel vital.
Thanks to this property, frequent consumption of spinach acts as an excellent natural treatment to prevent and combat anemia.
Regular intake of spinach helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes. They are excellent for people suffering from this disease since its high magnesium content allows to avoid more complications.
6) For the view:
Lutein is a pigment found in spinach as well as other foods such as marigolds, peas, blueberries, leeks, seaweed and egg yolk.
Precisely by combining them with eggs or nuts, these benefits are enhanced because they absorb the nutrients better.
It is an antioxidant that protects the eye health helping to preserve an optimal vision as well as favoring the general nervous system.
In effect, these carotenes will help protect against cataracts and other types of ocular degeneration that occurs especially in old age.
7) Gastrointestinal health:
The high amounts of vitamin C of the beta-carotene allow them to act as good protectors of the colon, stopping the harmful action of free radicals.
On the other hand, spinach helps maintain the balance of bacterial flora to prevent the development of digestive problems or immune system.
It also promotes excellent intestinal transit.
To lose weight it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle but at the same time stimulate the metabolism and keep it active. Spinach does not contain calories so that regular consumption helps to improve the body’s ability to burn fat and reduce hunger with the consequent “pecking” which is what makes us eat badly and increase calories .
9) Prevent premature aging:
Spinach contains large amounts of antioxidants that help remove toxic substances from the body associated with premature aging.
A good dose of spinach per week improves the quality of life and promotes healthy and shiny skin over the years.
10) Protect from UV rays:
The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of cellular damage to the skin and the development of melanomas. The high levels of vitamin B in spinach have a protective action that is complemented by the action of external sunscreens.
Other recommendations of spinach:
When selecting: when you buy choose those that are bright green and whose stems are crisp and fresh; If organic spinach is treated much better.
Those with damaged or slightly yellow leaves, discard them.
When stored: has delicate leaves. That is why when you buy them you must save them quickly in the refrigerator so that they do not lose their color, taste and nutritional properties. Store them in a plastic bag in order to remove as much air as possible.
Do not wash them before using them because excess moisture will accelerate ripening. Well preserved, you can have in the refrigerator for four or five days.
When preparing them: Remember that spinach grow on the ground and it is possible that both insects and other animals have traveled the place so it is important to wash them well before consuming them. It is common for us to find a lot of soil during the washing process just like other herbs that are not edible.
Discard leaves and stems that are discolored or damaged and cut approximately 3 cm before the end of the stem. Wash them in a bowl of water by changing the water two or three times until you no longer find traces of dirt. Then let it drain on a strainer.
When cooking: Spinach is a green leaf of quick cooking, about one minute. This is the best way to prepare them. Once the water is boiling, add the spinach and wait only a minute. Remove and glue. Excessive cooking will cause you to lose much of your vitamins and minerals and on the other hand it is not necessary.
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