The Health Benefits and Properties of Spinach

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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