Spinach is a nutrient-dense food that can prevent and fight diseases, including cancer. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber that promote eye and heart health, regulate blood sugar, and improve bone health and cardiovascular fitness. Spinach is also a source of flavonoids and carotenoids that have cancer-fighting properties.
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. Its combination of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants make it suitable for a number of nutritional requirements. Many of the substances in spinach are useful in fighting and preventing a number of diseases, including cancer. The benefits of spinach are numerous and have been documented by studies and anecdotal evidence alike over the years.
As is the case with other dark, leafy greens like bok choy and kale, spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene. This antioxidant can preserve eye health and fight heart disease and cancer. A phytochemical known as lutein is also present in spinach, and is known for its ability to prevent macular degeneration, a precursor to blindness. A lesser-known chemical called lipoic acid is being studied as a tool to regulate blood sugar, and it is also found naturally in spinach.
Perhaps the best known nutrient in the world, vitamin C, is present in abundance in spinach. This powerful antioxidant is essential for maintaining good overall health, and some preliminary studies have found possible evidence that vitamin C may reduce the occurrence of the common cold. However, most of the vitamin C is lost if the spinach is cooked. Another health benefit of spinach is its abundant potassium, which promotes heart health. Calcium, while abundant in spinach, can’t actually be absorbed by the human body in this case due to another chemical, oxalic acid, that binds to it.
Two other classes of nutrients, flavonoids and carotenoids, are found in spinach, and these have some very important properties. At least 13 different flavonoid compounds have been identified in spinach that may function as cancer fighters and antioxidants. Some of them are promising enough that scientists have created specialized spinach extracts to be used in studies. These flavonoids have been shown to fight or prevent breast, skin, and stomach cancers.
Among the most intriguing benefits of spinach are those provided by the carotenoids. A type of carotenoid, called neoxanthin, causes prostate cancer cells to self-destruct. The body converts it into other chemicals that prevent these cells from dividing.
Two more notable spinach benefits are those of improved bone health and cardiovascular fitness. A moderate serving of spinach leaves contains almost twice the vitamin K a person needs in a day. This vitamin is essential for maintaining bone structure and health. Folate is found in spinach in large amounts as well. The body uses this nutrient to safely break down chemicals that can cause a heart attack or stroke if their concentrations are too high.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
