Many people are probably familiar with the cartoon character , Popeye , who ate spinach to increase his strength. Since then , people attributed eating spinach to increased body strength – and they weren’t wrong!
There are many surprising health benefits of eating spinach – some ranging from cancer prevention , to eye health , as well as protection from bone-related problems.
It belongs in the same family as kale and beets , and contains a huge array of nutrients. It is high in amino acids , carotenoids , iodine , potassium , magnesium , iron , as well as Vitamin C , A , E , B Complex and K! (Also read more about Vitamins and their Importance in Health and Disease)
The best way to consume spinach is in raw form – whether you choose to make a spinach-based juice or spinach salad – just make sure you get it in ya!
Here are the 10 TOP Health Benefits of Eating Spinach:
1. Helps Create Red Blood Cells
Spinach contains a high concentration of iron , and iron is an essential component in the production of red blood cells. It is also necessary to help prevent anemia. However , because (as with all plant-foods) spinach is a non-heme iron source , it is harder for the body to absorb in comparison. Combine spinach with high Vitamin-C containing foods (like bell peppers or citrus fruits) to enjoy the iron-enhancing benefits.
2. High Alkalinity
Spinach , like most leafy greens , are alkaline in nature (thanks to their high mineral content). Because of this , they are incredibly anti-inflammatory , and can provide relief to individuals who suffer from arthritis or other pain-related issues like gout and fibromyalgia. Maintaining your blood’s alkalinity level by eating plenty of leafy greens will leave your joints feeling much more flexible and pain-free.
3. Prevents Oral Health Problems
If your gums frequently bleed , start drinking spinach juice! It is rich in Vitamin C , and will prevent bleeding gums , while at the same time prevent gum disease and cavities!
4. Prevents Cancer
Two anti-cancer compounds found in spinach , neoxanthin and violaxanthin , are largely anti-inflammatory , helping to improve digestive tract function and protect against stomach cancer. Spinach has also been found to prevent the proliferation (aka. growth) of human cancer cells in vitro. Spinach consumption is also related to decreased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
5. Bone Strengthener
Spinach is high in calcium , as well as Vitamin K. Why is Vitamin K so important? It helps anchor calcium in the bones , and helps raise osteocalcin , which controls building of bone. If you want to prevent osteoporosis , make sure you eat plenty of bone-building leafy greens like spinach , kale , collards , arugula and romaine!
6. Fights Acne and Wrinkles
High in antioxidants and alkaline-forming minerals , spinach is great for clearing the skin. It helps support the health of our liver , which directly determines how clear our skin will look and feel. Antioxidants in spinach also help protect our skin from the sun , and prevents DNA damage , which normally contributes to fast aging of the skin.
7. Strengthens Cardiovascular System
Aside from creating healthy red blood cells , spinach also helps lower high blood pressure and lowers cholesterol , too! Antioxidant nutrients in spinach like Vitamins C , E , and A , as well as manganese , zinc and selenium help reduce the damage inflicted by oxidative stress in the body. Our blood vessels are particularly prone to damage by oxidative stress , and it has been shown that eating spinach can help reduce the risk of several blood vessel-related problems , such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
8. Nourishes The Eyes
Spinach is incredibly high in Vitamin A. Vitamin A gets converted to beta-carotene in the body , which is necessary for good eye health. Therefore , spinach can help fight night blindness , cataracts , and age-related macular degeneration. It can also improve your overall eyesight!
9. Improves Digestion
Spinach is great for the digestive tract. It contains a nutrient called glycoclycerolipid , which protects the lining of the digestive tract from inflammation-related damage. Spinach also has a high fibre content , which helps resolve digestive problems like constipation.
10. Helps Cognitive Function
Spinach is high in brain-friendly folate and Vitamin B6. Folate reduces inflammation that harms brain function , and vitamin B6 helps in the production of neurotransm.
