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.