It has been known for
generations that spinach was good for you, but it is really only over recent
decades that the proof has mounted up that spinach is packed with beneficial
nutrients. According to nutritionists this dark green leafy vegetable, along
with others of similar color, is among the healthiest of all foods. There are
not many foods that have such a rich source of nutrients such as vitamin C,
iron, beta carotene and calcium, as spinach. With such nutrients, spinach is
blessed with health benefits that are difficult to ignore.
Spinach is also:
1. An excellent source
of beneficial insoluble fiber, which is believed to help protect the heart from
damage.
2. A good source of
Vitamin K, which is becoming associated with a reduced risk of some cancers.
3. Rich in beta
carotene, which has benefits to eye health including helping to prevent
cataracts. Some studies have suggested that people who consume a diet rich in
spinach, kale and similar dark green leafy vegetables, may have a lower overall
risk of developing cataracts.
One of the possible
reasons for this reduced risk may be the presence of lutein and zeaxanthin.
These carotenoids, which are similar to beta carotene, are strong antioxidants,
and they are thought to provide protection not only against cataracts, but
against some other effects of aging and some forms of cancer as well.
As far as other eye
problems go , acular degeneration is a particular problem with older people,
and spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables are thought to help to
mitigate the risk of age related macular degeneration. The strong antioxidant
properties of these dark green vegetables are believed to be what makes them so
effective.
4. It is thought that
spinach is also a contributor to the control of high levels of homocysteine in
the blood. Studies have shown that eating a diet rich in vitamin C, folic acid
and beta carotene is an effective way to lower homo cysteine levels. Apart from the
health benefits, spinach is attractive because of its high availability and low
price. When fresh spinach is not in season there is always canned and frozen
spinach available, which means this tasty vegetable can make a year round
contribution to your healthy diet.
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