If you follow my blog, you probably already know that I am a big fan of spinach. I started eating a lot of this leafy green, when I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia several years ago. I needed to consume a lot of iron-rich foods to help bring my iron levels up, as they were practically depleted and spinach became one of my favorite things to eat. Spinach not only is a tasty green, but is healthy for you too. In fact, spinach packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. Spinach is rich in a variety of antioxidants and nutrients and is considered a super food. Some nutrients found in spinach include magnesium, potassium, calcium, protein, vitamin B6, vitamin K and pholate. Spinach is also a good source of non heme (plant-based) iron, which is important for blood oxygenation, energy and more. Like kale, spinach is a good source of fiber and helps aid digestion. It also helps build muscle, helps fight inflammation and may improve eye sight. Spinach has numerous other health benefits, as well. 

Health Benefits Of Spinach

Good For Your Gut

Spinach is good for your gut. Not only is spinach rich in fiber, but some studies done with rats indicate that spinach helps protect the mucous membrane in the stomach, which may help prevent the formation of ulcers. Additionally, spinach can help strengthen the lining of the digestive tract, which in turn helps inhibit inflammation and other problems that may go along with it.

May Help Manage Diabetes

Popeye had it right that spinach can help make you stronger. Spinach however, can also help create balance. Spinach is rich in alpha-lipoic acid, which helps lower glucose levels, which is important for those suffering with diabetes. Additionally, spinach helps increase insulin levels.

Helps Prevent Iron Deficiency 

Spinach may help prevent iron deficiency, as is a good source of iron. Eating spinach and other iron rich foods is important, as your body does not produce iron on its own. That’s why it is important to include plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet.

Spinach is great for salads and has more nutrients than some other varieties of greens. Try substituting spinach in place of head lettuce or mixing it in with other greens. You can also add spinach to your morning smoothie, to get a boost of nutrients to start your day. You can also add this power house vegetable to a variety main dishes. Try adding spinach to spaghetti sauce, chow mein, lasagna, stir-fries and more for added energy and nutrients.

P. S. If you are interested in reading more about healthful eating and living a healthy lifestyle, you might want to check out my book, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living. Click here to learn more and buy.

Source:

¹LD, Megan Ware RDN. “Spinach: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and Diet.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 29 June 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270609.php.

²“15 Impressive Benefits of Spinach.” Organic Facts, 1 Apr. 2019, www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-spinach.html.