I know the vision of Popeye downing a can of spinach pops into your head when you hear about this superfood, but it’s time to erase that image. Spinach is a fresh, green, potent vegetable that can be added to all sorts of dishes. Baby spinach is the way to go if you’re not a big fan of this healthy green. It’s less potent and can be made into a salad instantly (why not add yummy sesame seeds and pine nuts?). Some other ways spinach can be eaten other than in a salad with olive oil dressing are steamed, atop soups and casseroles, and as a substitute for lettuce on sandwiches. Here is a list of the powerful nutrients and benefits found in spinach:
- Spinach prevents macular degeneration because of its rich supply of carotenoids lutein/zeaxanthin and, coupled with dietary marine-based omega 3 fatty acids, they can offer a powerful reduction of the risk for AMD
- Spinach is a powerful ally in the fight against cancer due to its rich supply of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytonutrients
- Spinach promotes cardiovascular heath because the vitamin C, beta-carotene and other nutrients contained therein work together to prevent oxidized cholesterol from building up in the blood vessel walls
- Spinach is loaded with folate which is an important contributor to heart health as it works, along with B6 and betaine, to lower serum levels of the dangerous amino acid homocysteine
- Spinach contains potassium and magnesium which make significant contributions to heart health. Both work to lower blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
So eat up your spinach to benefit from all of its powerful nutrients and advantages that can help change your life!
Source: SuperfoodsRx
Contributor: Dr. Gregg Baron
The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. None of the information presented is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
