Spinach is a powerhouse in the food world. Perhaps my favorite vegetable and one of the most crucial staples in any diet. I don’t care whether you’re after gains, weight loss, or healthier living- you need spinach in your diet. I’d say go for 2 servings twice a week for a total of 4.
Diet
A single cup of spinach has almost 20% of the recommended daily amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.
Cancer
Flavonoids — a phytonutrient that contain anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach- have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Spinach also providessignificant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory
Neoxanthin and violaxanthin are two anti-inflammatory epoxyxanthophylls that play an important role in regulation of inflammation and are present in unusual amounts in spinach.
Antioxidants
C and E vitamins, beta-carotene, zinc, manganese, and selenium are all present in spinach and all serve as extremely powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and even high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure
By inhibiting the angiotensin I-converting enzyme, peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure.
Vision
Lutein and zeaxanthin are especially plentiful in spinach and protect the eye from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Immunity
One cup of spinach contains over 337% of the recommended daily amount 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.
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, keratinization, acne and even wrinkles.
Bones
1 cup of boiled spinach provides over 1000% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin K that can prevent bone breakdown and enhance bone strength/density.
Calcification
Vitamin K is also a crucial component to a process that directly prevents calcium from forming in tissue. Eating 1 cup of spinach contributes to this process that fights atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Brain and Nervous Function
Lastly this 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 sphingolipids, the crucial fat that makes up the Myelin sheath around our nerves.
#GetBrolic
