5 Health Benefits of Spinach
Spinach is packed full of vitamins and minerals, is low in fat and low in cholesterol. But the benefits don’t stop there. This fibrous, leafy green is a big contributor to keeping us healthy.
Read on to find out what the top five health benefits of spinach are.
- Headache Cure – Spinach is known to decrease blood pressure, alleviate headaches and prevent hangovers. This is thanks to riboflavin, a type of vitamin B, that’s linked to migraine prevention. Next time you feel the onset of a headache, run for the kitchen and make a healthy spinach salad.
- Immune Booster – High amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants are present in spinach. To best take advantage of these immune-boosting agents, be sure not to overcook your spinach or simply eat it raw to keep the nutrients intact.
- Heart Health – This leafy green promotes heart health with its vitamins C and A. These vitamins reduce the amount of free radicals found in our bodies, by not allowing cholesterol to oxidize. Additionally, folate, also found in spinach, supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
- Improve Digestion – Spinach is great for the digestive system because it eases constipation and protects the stomach’s mucous lining, keeping you ulcer-free. Spinach also serves as a colon detoxifier.
- Brain Health – Researchers at Rush University in Chicago have found that just one serving of spinach per day, ½ cup cooked or 3 cups raw, can slow cognitive decline and help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The Folate, beta-carotene and vitamin K in spinach are the contributing factors to boosting brain health.
Who knew spinach was such a versatile vegetable that promoted our overall health? When you go to plan your next meal, try incorporating some spinach to take advantage of all the health benefits this leafy green brings to the table.
