Love it or hate it, spinach contains more than 12 different types of flavonoid antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It's also loaded with vitamins and minerals. In fact, spinach contains Vitamin K, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, along with folate, manganese, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Health benefits of spinach include a strengthened immune system, improved brain function and disease protection.
Yep, Popeye got this one right!
Health Benefits of Spinach
1. Protects Against Cancer
While the health benefits of spinach aren't listed in a specific order, you've got to admit that this one's pretty big. Spinach can protect the body from cancer. In fact, research has shown that consuming leafy green vegetables and cruciferous vegetables on a regular basis can help protect the body from several different types of cancer, including colon, breast and prostate. As a cancer-fighting food, spinach helps slow down cancerous cell formation by protecting DNA from damage and reducing oxidative stress in the body. (1)2. Defends Against Heart Disease
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States, so it's important that the health benefits of spinach include protection from heart disease. For one thing, the antioxidants in spinach help reduce disease-causing inflammation in the body. Studies also have shown that spinach protects the heart by improving circulation, reducing high blood pressure, and maintaining blood vessel health. (2)3. Boosts Immunity
Spinach contains high concentrations of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, all of which work to strengthen the immune system. Spinach helps the body fight off bacteria, viruses, and toxins by lowering inflammatory responses and preventing cell damage. The nutrients in spinach can help protect the skin, eyes, heart, bones and brain! Please note that cooking with destroy the Vitamin C, so eat your spinach raw. And feel free to drizzle with olive oil to help the body make use of the Vitamin A. (3)
4. Protects Against Diabetes
What do phytoecdysteroids have to do with me? Well, the health benefits of spinach include the ability to protect the body from diabetes. Spinach contains these compounds that are known to help increase glucose metabolism and stabilize blood sugar levels. Thanks to these protective steroids, spinach makes a healthy addition to a diabetic diet. (4)5. Protects Eye Health
Health benefits of spinach also include the ability to protect the eyes from damage and disease. Underneath that lush green color, spinach contains carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, that help maintain healthy eye sight. Adding spinach to your diet can help reduce your risk of age-related eye disorders, including macular degeneration. (5)6. Maintains Bone Health
Vitamin K plays a key role in bone health. Thanks to the Vitamin K it contains, health benefits of spinach include improved bone health. In fact, spinach is one of the best sources of Vitamin K. This nutrient plays a vital role in maintaining bone mineral density to reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. (6)7. Preserves Skin Health
Health benefits of spinach also extend to the skin. The antioxidants found in spinach help protect the skin from damage by fighting off UV light damage. They also help support the production of collagen, which is responsible for youthful-looking skin. Eating spinach on a regular basis can help slow aging and promote healthy skin. (7)
