Spinach is a flowering plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae which is native of to central and western Asia. The plant usually grows 30 cm tall. Its leaves are commonly consumed as a vegetable. The plant can survive winter in temperate regions.
Spinach provides a substantial amount of potassium which is helpful in lowering blood pressure. A low sodium intake is usually advised to people suffering from hypertension. But a high potassium diet can be as equally successful in countering this potentially life threatening disease.
The presence of adequate amount of Vitamin K is essential for the modification of bone matrix protein as well as absorption of calcium in the bones. It also prevents calcium from being excreted in the urine ultimately reducing risks for bone fracture.
ADEQUATE BOWEL MOVEMENT
Being a rich source of fiber and water, Spinach promotes intestinal peristalsis and help relieve digestive troubles like bloating and constipation.
The presence of an antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid in spinach lows blood glucose levels, increases insulin sensitivity as well as fight oxidative stress induced changes in diabetes.
Alpha-lipoic acid has also been known to reduce peripheral nerve damage associated with diabetes.
Spinach is a good source of dietry fiber and adds bulk to the food. This induces stomach stretch receptors send brain signals of being full, promoting satiety and ultimately helping in weight loss.
A cup of raw spinach provides more than 50% of our daily requirement of Vitamin A. Vitamin A also known as retinoic acid is essential for our eyes to function in low light. Deficiency of vitamin A can result in Night blindness as well as early occurance of age related eye diseases like cataract and macular degeneration.
Spinach provides more than 40% of our daily requirement of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is involved in the protection of immune system from harmful pathogens as well as in the repair of blood vessels. Deficiency of vitaminC can result in Scurvy as well as weakened immune system.
The antioxidant action of Vitamin C in spinach boosts the production of collagen and fights free radicals which accumulate to cause symptoms of aging.
Sufficient consumption of vitamin C can slow down the aging process and all the troubles that come with it.
Being an affluent source of both iron and folic acid, spinach boosts the production of red blood cells and battles anemia. Anemia is a diseases characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath and irritability.
Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women may lead to neural tube defects in newborn babies.