While there is no evidence of superpowers from spinach as portrayed in old cartoons, the beneficial properties of spinach can fortify the body with bioactive compounds and nutrients.
1. Fights oxidative stress
The antioxidants in spinach are a natural way to fight free radicals in the body, preventing oxidative stress. This is one of the body’s ways of reducing the risk of cancer or diabetes. Spinach contains the antioxidants quercetin and kaempferol, which respectively reduce the risk of infections and inflammation, as well as cancer and chronic diseases.
2. Improves eye health
Carotenoids are pigments that protect the eyes from damage caused by sunlight. Spinach contains zeaxanthin and lutein, which are carotenoids capable of preventing macular degeneration and, according to some studies, even able to help the eye recover from existing damage.
3. Helps to normalize blood pressure
Spinach contains large amounts of nitrates, which can help normalize blood pressure levels in the body, lowering the risk of heart disease. Nitrates are converted to nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure.
4. Strengthens the immune system
The carotenoids in spinach can be converted by the body into vitamin A, which in combination with vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium in spinach serves to strengthen the immune system overall.
5. Helps with weight loss
Due to its low caloric value and the high presence of fiber in spinach, the vegetable appears as an effective means of maintaining satiety for a longer time, as well as improving digestion and reducing blood sugar.
Spinach is classified as a superfood because of its great wealth of beneficial compounds. The high presence of vitamins and minerals brings many benefits to the body – antioxidants work against oxidative stress, and vitamins and minerals have many benefits, including strengthening the immune system and protecting against various diseases.