10 Health Benefits of Spinach and How It Can Improve Your Well-being

KOMPAS.com – Spinach is a green vegetable that contains high nutrition and is good for health.

According to the book “Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition: Bayand Vegetables and Beans” (2021) by R. Toto Sugiarto, et al. published by Hikam Pustaka, every 100 grams of spinach contains 14 grams of protein.

There are also 65 grams of carbohydrates, 4.2 milligrams of vitamin C, 159 milligrams of calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, and iron in spinach.

You can also experience a number of health benefits if you regularly consume spinach, as reported by the following sources.

1. Healthy eyes

Reporting from Healthline, spinach is rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, carotenoid pigments that give vegetables their color.

The human eye contains this pigment to protect against sun damage.

The two pigments also help prevent cataracts which are the main cause of blindness.

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2. Slowing the growth of cancer

The content of monogalactosyl diglyceride (MGDG) and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) in cancer can slow cancer growth.

Several studies have also linked spinach consumption to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. and prevent breast cancer.

Spinach also contains high antioxidants to fight cancer.

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3. Helps lose weight

Nitrate in spinach is quite high. This content serves to lower blood pressure and reduce heart risk.

Research on 27 people also found the effectiveness of reducing blood pressure and improving heart health after consuming spinach.

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4. Against oxidative stress

Stress will trigger premature aging and increase the risk of cancer and diabetes. Spinach has content to fight the triggers of this disease.

Spinach contains antioxidants that reduce the damage caused by stress. In fact, this substance can also fight oxidative stress itself.

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5. Healthy bones

Spinach is a source of vitamin K, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. All of these nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy bones.

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6. Support heart health

Nitrates in spinach will help increase blood flow and blood pressure through relaxation, thereby reducing arterial stiffness, as reported by BBC Good Food.

As a result, lowering blood pressure will help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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7. Increase energy

Spinach can also restore energy and improve blood quality because of its iron content.

This type of mineral will help transport oxygen throughout the body and support energy production.

Unfortunately, the oxalic acid in spinach can inhibit the absorption of minerals such as iron. That’s why, these green vegetables wilt quickly after cooking after a while.

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8. Supports brain health

Quoted from Health, research on 900 adults aged 58 to 98 years proves this function.

They consumed large amounts of green vegetables and demonstrated the same cognitive abilities as people 7.5 years younger.

9. Strengthen the immune system

Furthermore, spinach can also support the immune system through its vitamin and mineral content.

This keeps the body safe from viruses and bacteria that cause disease, including toxins, as quoted by Web MD.

10. Healing wounds

Vitamin C in spinach also works to heal wounds from injury.

Vitamin C will help the body increase the amount of iron from plant foods so that wounds heal faster.

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