Do you know what the health benefits of your food products are? Or are you concerned about having a healthy diet, but find it difficult to put your finger on what that entails? (Apart from salad of course). Many people look at vegetables and immediately think that they are healthy. YES, they are. BUT that is not the key to a healthy diet, the key comes from a varied diet. Today I want to write a little about spinach, since it is used a lot in Indian cuisine and has many health benefits.
For diabetics Spinach contains an antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes.
Cancer Prevention Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll which has been shown to be effective in blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines generated when you grill food at high temperatures.
Asthma Prevention The risk of developing asthma is lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, of which spinach is an excellent source. Apricots, broccoli, honeydew melon, pumpkin and carrots are also rich sources of beta-carotene.
Regularity Spinach is high in fiber and water content, both of which help prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract.
Healthy Skin and Hair Spinach is high in vitamin A, which is necessary for sebum production to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all body tissues, including skin and hair. Spinach and other leafy greens high in vitamin C are important for the building and maintenance of collagen, which gives structure to skin and hair. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which can be prevented by adequate intake of iron-rich foods, such as spinach.
Lowers Blood Pressure Due to its high potassium content, spinach is recommended for those with high blood pressure to counteract the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake can be as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake. Other high potassium foods include potatoes, tomatoes, lima beans and oranges.
Bones Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk of bone fractures. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption, and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium.
In addition, it is also one of the best sources of magnesium, which is necessary for energy metabolism, maintaining muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, a healthy immune system, and maintaining blood pressure.
Those with digestive disorders, alcoholics, older adults, and people taking medications such as antibiotics and diuretics are more likely to have a magnesium deficiency and should therefore eat more green vegetables.
A wonderful taste and at the same time nutritious. It can be used raw as a salad, on pizza and on a slice of bread instead of lettuce. And that is the reason why we use so much spinach in Indian cuisine. Recipes you can make here are palak panir (which I made during the peace prize ceremony) spinach rice or spinach and lentil stew . Feel free to share photos with #masalamagic :) Have a great weekend ahead!