Nutritious Content of Spinach and its Benefits
Nutritious Content
of Spinach and its Benefits - Spinach is a very good source of vitamins,
minerals and phytonutrients and at the same time it is low calorie food. It contains
vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, folate,
niacin, iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc,
copper and selenium. It is also a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids
and dietary fiber.
It contains at least 13 different flavonoids in
spinach which act as anti-oxidants. The anti-oxidants help in fighting the free
radicals produced in the body during metabolic processes. It also prevents the
oxidation of cholesterol.
Thus help in protecting against heart diseases and
cancers. The folate present in spinach is good for the health of cardiovascular
system. The magnesium present in spinach controls blood pressure.
Vitamin C and beta carotene help in protecting the
colon from harmful effects of free radicals. The folate helps in protecting the
harm to the DNA of the colon cells and also prevents their mutations. Folate is
also essential for the developing fetus and hence spinach is good for pregnant
women.
As with other green leafy vegetables spinach also
delays the decline in brain function due to age. Spinach has anti inflammatory
properties as well and hence helpful in inflammatory conditions like arthritis,
migraine headache, osteoporosis and asthma.
The carotenoid from spinach fights against human
prostate cancer. The carotenoid lutein present in spinach help in delaying
diseases of eyes caused due to ageing like cataract and macular degeneration.
The flavonoid from spinach helps in fighting against ovarian cancer.
Vitamin K from the spinach is good for bone health.
Spinach is a rich source of mineral iron and that too fat and cholesterol free.
