Skip to main content

Spinach- 11 health benefits

Here is a great article I found from HealthDiaries.com:

Diet 
One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.

Cancer 
Flavonoids -- a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach -- have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, spinach has shown significant 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
The vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium present in spinach all serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure 
By inhibiting the angiotensin I-converting enzyme, peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure.

Vision
Both antioxidants 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 RDA 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 
One cup of boiled spinach provides over 1000% of the RDA of vitamin K that can prevent excess activation of osteoclasts (the cells that break down bones), as well as promote the synthesis of osteocalcin, the protein that is essential for maintaining the strength and density of our bones.

Calcification
Vitamin K is a crucial component of the process called carboxylation, which produces the matrix Gla protein that directly prevents calcium from forming in tissue. Eating one cup of spinach contributes to this process that fights atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Brain and Nervous Function
The 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.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

weight is just a number

The Answer? The all do. Each of these women weight 154 lbs Just for an FYI: The average American woman is 5'4" and weighs 164 lbs.

Weight Loss Suppliments

So here's my dilemma ... I really want to lose just a little bit more weight. Not a lot. I'm talking like less than 10 pounds. But I am having a terrible time doing it . I know the best answer is diet and exercise.  Definitely 100% agree !!! My problem is that when it comes to dieting I have plateaued. :( I lost a bunch of weight when I first changed my diet. I am now so much more knowledgeable about calories and fats and sweets. I have been really good at controlling what I put in my body. So now eating healthy is my new "norm" - yay! unfortunately that's not dropping the pounds any more. So what do I do? I already am only eating 1200 calories a day so I obviously don't want to go below that. Exercise is great. It really is . I love it! I just don't have time for it. I have tons of work-out plans, seriously I have a binder full of exercises  BUT I DON'T HAVE TIME . I have 3 kids to take care of ...

Product of the day: Meal Replacement Shakes

KEY BENEFITS: l Only 220 calories l Balanced meal for optimal nutrition and weight management l 24 grams of easy-to-digest protein l High in dietary fiber (5-6 grams) l 50% of the Daily Value of calcium l 26 vitamins and minerals l 1:1 ratio of proteins to carbohydrates l Low sodium and low fat IS THIS YOU? l Someone who wants a nutritious meal on the go l Someone seeking a balanced, low-calorie meal for your diet and exercise program l Someone seeking to lose or maintain weight in a healthy manner l Someone who has limited gastric capacity or requires an easy-to-digest, light meal l Someone looking for an additional source of protein to supplement your diet THE ISSUE: There are two major obstacles in today’s culture that make healthy eating a formidable challenge. One obstacle is our schedule. Today’s fast-paced lifestyle often has us rushing out the door to work or school with no time for breakfast. We often sacrifice good nutrition for convenience, opting for th...