WHY IS SPINACH SO AWESOME?
Spinach is believed to be of
Persian origin. Although no proof exists for this "fact"
By the 12th century, it spread
across Europe and became a desirable leafy green known for good health; a
reputation that stands firm to this day.
Spinach belongs to the family of
nutritional powerhouses including beets, chard and quinoa.
It shares a similar taste profile
with these two other vegetables; the bitterness of beet greens and the slightly
salty flavour of chard.
There are three different types
of spinach generally available: savoy, semi-savoy and smooth leaf.
...The popeye effect
There is much lore regarding spinach, most famously as the source of Popeye's strength. When faced with the sight of trouble, pipe-smoking sailor-man Popeye would burst open a tin of spinach. Once consumed, his biceps would bulge and his new found strength would see him overcome his enemies. Although there is definitely lots of goodness in those leaves, the legendary statue Popeye bestowed on it is slightly inflated.
There is much lore regarding spinach, most famously as the source of Popeye's strength. When faced with the sight of trouble, pipe-smoking sailor-man Popeye would burst open a tin of spinach. Once consumed, his biceps would bulge and his new found strength would see him overcome his enemies. Although there is definitely lots of goodness in those leaves, the legendary statue Popeye bestowed on it is slightly inflated.
Spinach is available all year
round but is in season during the spring (March - June). It is well known for
its nutritional qualities and has always been regarded as a plant with
remarkable abilities to restore energy, and improve the quality of the blood.
IRON...........
There are sound reasons why
spinach would produce such results, primarily the fact that it is rich in iron.
Iron plays a central role in the function of red blood cells which help in
transporting oxygen around the body, in energy production and DNA synthesis.
Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and
folic acid as well as being a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron and
vitamin B2. Vitamin K is important for maintaining bone health and it is
difficult to find vegetables richer in vitamin K than spinach. Others include kale,
broccoli and green cabbage.
GREEN.......
The dark green colour of spinach
leaves indicates they contain high levels of chlorophyll and
health promoting carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin). These
chemicals have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and are important
for healthy eye-sight, helping to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
Spinach contains iron, but not quite as much as originally
believed It is important to note that
there are two forms of dietary iron: 'haem' iron and 'non haem' iron.
Vegetarians, those who experience
iron-deficiency
anaemia and those who are pregnant are encouraged to include green
leafy vegetables such as spinach as part of a balanced diet.
Fresh spinach should be medium to
dark green, with no signs of decay.
It should be stored loosely
packed in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge where it will keep for about four days.
Do not boil spinach as it will lose a large amount of nutrients
You should avoid spinach if you suffer from kidney stones
It is difficult to
overestimate the nutritional powerhouse that is spinach. Here are eleven health
benefits of spinach.
·
Diet
One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, helps lower blood sugar, and curbs overeating.
One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, helps lower blood sugar, and curbs overeating.
·
Cancer
Flavonoids with anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach — have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, spinach protects against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.
Flavonoids with anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach — have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, spinach protects against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.
·
Anti-Inflammatory
Spinach plays an important role in regulation of inflammation.
Spinach plays an important role in regulation of inflammation.
·
Antioxidants
The vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium present in spinach all serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
The vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium present in spinach all serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
·
Blood Pressure
Peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure.
Peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure.
·
Immunity
One cup of spinach contains over 337% of the RDA of vitamin A that not only protects and strengthens “entry points” into the human body, such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, but is also a key component of lymphocytes (or white blood cells) that fight infection.
One cup of spinach contains over 337% of the RDA of vitamin A that not only protects and strengthens “entry points” into the human body, such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, but is also a key component of lymphocytes (or white blood cells) that fight infection.
ZITS........
·
Skin
The high amount of vitamin A in spinach also promotes healthy skin by allowing for proper moisture retention in the epidermis, thus fighting psoriasis, and even acne so, tell your teenagers that it will improve their selfies by taking away their zits.
The high amount of vitamin A in spinach also promotes healthy skin by allowing for proper moisture retention in the epidermis, thus fighting psoriasis, and even acne so, tell your teenagers that it will improve their selfies by taking away their zits.
·
Bones
One cup of boiled spinach provides over 1000% of the RDA of vitamin K that can produce the protein that is essential for maintaining the strength and density of our bones.
One cup of boiled spinach provides over 1000% of the RDA of vitamin K that can produce the protein that is essential for maintaining the strength and density of our bones.
·
Calcification
Vitamin K is a crucial component of the process called carboxylation, which produces the matrix Gla protein that directly prevents calcium from forming in tissue. Eating one cup of spinach contributes to this process that fights atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Vitamin K is a crucial component of the process called carboxylation, which produces the matrix Gla protein that directly prevents calcium from forming in tissue. Eating one cup of spinach contributes to this process that fights atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
·
Brain and Nervous Function
The abundance of vitamin K in spinach contributes greatly to a healthy nervous system and brain function by providing an essential part for the synthesis of crucial fat that makes up the Myelin sheath around our nerves.
The abundance of vitamin K in spinach contributes greatly to a healthy nervous system and brain function by providing an essential part for the synthesis of crucial fat that makes up the Myelin sheath around our nerves.
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