Why People Should Eat More Spinach

Diego Ruiz Duran believes that spinach has always been known to be a versatile leafy green which can be enjoyed in various ways such as to steam, stir fry, or blend into a smoothie. Besides being a tasty green with excellent iron content, it provides several other benefits as well. Here are 5 reasons eating spinach can help to improve wellbeing.

1) Powerful Antioxidants

Spinach is rich in antioxidants that help to fight inflammation and provide protection against diseases. Some of these include Kaempferol which helps to reduce the risk of cancer as well as to slow its spread. And, another antioxidant in spinach called quercetin has been linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

2) Functional Food That Improves Wellbeing

Oxidative stress and DNA damage can lead to the manifestation of various conditions such as cancer and heart disease. The problem with oxidative stress is that as we get older our bodies become less capable of reducing it. This is one of the reasons why we become more susceptible to certain forms of illnesses as we get older. A study which was published in Journal Food & Function demonstrated that bioactive compounds within spinach can reduce DNA damage and disease, as well as to reduce oxidative stress. It is also regarded as being a functional food because of various phytochemicals within it that can have a positive influence on genes which are involved with inflammation and metabolism. These phytochemicals also have the ability to stimulate the release of satiety signals which basically means that the consumption of spinach can lead to a feeling of being more full and satisfied.

3) Brain Health

The anti-inflammatory properties of spinach may be an ideal solution for maintaining brain health, especially when it comes to an aging brain. Numerous studies have shown that there was a noticeable decrease in cognitive decline in patients who were 70 and older, that ate spinach on a weekly basis. Data also suggests that individuals who consumed spinach on a weekly basis, had the same level of cognitive abilities as a person who was 10 years younger who did not eat leafy greens.

4) Eye Health

Lutein has been proven to be able to reduce the risk of getting (AMD) Age-Related Macular Degeneration which is an eye disease that causes permanent loss of vision. It’s important to note that since AMD is the leading culprit of vision loss amongst people who are over 50, and the fact that there is no cure for this disease, prevention is key.

5) Blood Pressure

Most blood pressure medications work by relaxing and widening blood vessels to alleviate pressure. This is the same concept of releasing a hose to let water flow regularly when it gets into a knot and builds up pressure. Nitrate is a natural substance that sends signals to muscle cells in the arteries which causes them to relax. When these types of cells relax, blood vessels become dilated and subsequently, blood pressure goes down. Spinach is packed with nitrates and can help to stabilize high blood pressure levels.

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