Ideal for a soup or a hot side dish, delicious as a filling for homemade pasta, summary in the form of a fresh salad, and healthy and tasty for fruit and vegetable smoothies: among the properties of spinach, there is undoubtedly their incredible versatility, which makes them ideal for savory dishes. But not only. Their nutritional properties are numerous: spinach is rich in vitamins (A, C, K, and those of group B), mineral salts (not only iron but also potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper), fibers, and antioxidants (lutein, first of all). They promote heart and blood health, vision, and digestive system and help those on a diet.
The Nutritional Values Of Spinach
They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and those of group B, which help to raise the nutritional values of spinach: vitamins are involved in the proper functioning of vision, the immune system, the digestive system, and the nervous system. These vitamins also play a central role in the health of the skin (and all epithelia), bones, and the cardiovascular system (they prevent anemia and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and thrombosis); they have antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-hemorrhagic and anti-infective functions.
The Value Of Fibers
Spinach is a source of fibers, which help the intestinal transit of food, decrease unwanted fermentations, increase the sense of satiety, reduce the presence of carcinogenic substances in the intestine and enrich the intestinal flora with valuable microorganisms—another element that enhances the nutritional value of spinach.
Mineral Salts: Why They Are Essential
When we talk about the nutritional value of spinach, we cannot forget the high content of iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and, to a lesser extent, phosphorus and copper that they contain. What are these precious mineral salts for? Iron favors the transport of oxygen in the blood, helps the assimilation of sugars and the production of antibodies, and has a detoxifying function in the liver.
Potassium regulates the acid-base balance of the cells and the osmotic pressure (it, therefore, facilitates the absorption of valuable substances by the cells), regulates water retention, the transmission of nerve impulses, and cardiovascular activity. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus contribute to the health of the nervous system and bones and fight physical and mental fatigue. Copper promotes the assimilation of iron and the production of hemoglobin, protects cells against free radicals, and has a detoxifying and antiseptic action. In addition, spinach is low in sodium, a feature that makes it suitable for those suffering from hypertension.
Spinach Antioxidants: A Precious Ally
Vitamins A and C, lutein, and chlorophyll are all antioxidants that spinach abounds in, helping to increase its nutritional values: they help slow down or prevent damage caused by oxidation and free radicals.
The Five Things To Know About The Properties And Benefits Of Spinach
What Are The Benefits Of Spinach For The Heart?
The benefits of spinach for the heart are numerous. They are excellent food for those suffering from hypertension as they are low in sodium but high in potassium. In addition, thanks to the peptides, nitrates, and fibers they contain, they help inhibit angiotensin, reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
What Are The Benefits Of Spinach For Eyesight?
Lutein, present in spinach leaves, and zeaxanthin protect the eyes from damage caused by sunlight: both of these antioxidants help to prevent eye system diseases (cataracts and maculopathy). Thanks also to vitamin C, eating spinach helps avoid eye ulcers, itching, swelling, and irritation.
Why Is The Antioxidant Function Of Spinach Important?
Spinach is rich in antioxidants as it contains flavonoids and carotenoids (such as beta carotene), capable of counteracting the action of free radicals, slowing down aging, and protecting the skin, eyes, and cardiovascular system. Among vegetables, spinach also has the highest glyco-glycero-lipids, particularly monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), which play an important antitumor action by hindering the replication of cancer cells.
What Minerals Are Present In Spinach?
The mineral salts in spinach are iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. Iron helps transport oxygen in the blood, assimilate sugars, and produce antibodies; potassium regulates the acid-base balance of cells and osmotic pressure; calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus contribute to the health of the body and fight physical and mental fatigue. Finally, copper promotes the assimilation of iron and the production of hemoglobin.
What Vitamins Are Present In Spinach?
The vitamins in spinach are A, C, and K and those of group B. These improve the functioning of sight, the immune system, the digestive system, and the nervous system. Furthermore, they play a central role in the health of the skin, bones, and cardiovascular system by carrying out antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-hemorrhagic, and anti-infective functions.
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