5 Benefits of Eating Spinach for Health According to Nutritionists
Of all green vegetables, spinach is one type of vegetable that has many benefits and can be processed into various healthy intakes. Spinach can be processed into spinach juice (smoothie), spinach salad, and some even mix it with cake batter for baking.
Apart from that, spinach is also known to have many health benefits. This green vegetable contains vitamin K which is good for bone health and vitamin C to boost the immune system.
Quoted from Health, here are 5 benefits of spinach for health:
1. Rich in antioxidants
Apart from its many vitamins and minerals, spinach is rich in antioxidants that are linked to anti-inflammation and protection from disease. Kaempferol and flavonoids in spinach have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. There’s also quercetin which protects against brain disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Good for preventing various types of diseases
In a study published in the journal Food & Function, researchers stated that the substances contained in spinach can reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage. In addition, spinach triggers the release of hormones which can make you feel fuller for longer.
3. Improve the cognitive abilities of the brain
The anti-inflammatory effect of spinach makes it good for protecting the brain, especially improving cognitive abilities. The data shows that people who eat one to two servings of green vegetables each day have the same cognitive abilities as someone 11 years younger than those who don’t eat green vegetables.
4. Regulate blood pressure
Spinach is a natural source of nitrates, compounds that open up blood vessels to increase blood flow and lighten the workload of the heart. In a small study published in The Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that nitrate levels in the blood increased after consuming spinach.
5. Improve eye health
One of the antioxidants in spinach, called lutein, has been shown to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is an eye disease that can obscure central vision, which is needed for activities such as reading and driving.
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss for people aged 50 years and over. The intake of lutein-rich spinach increases blood lutein levels and also prevents AMD.
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