The green leafy vegetable that Popeye loves may just be a potent food source for real people as well. Yes, we are talking about the benefits of spinach. They may include skincare, improved eyesight, regulated blood pressure, stronger muscles, and prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and hemophilia. Spinach might also help with health conditions such as cataracts, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and neurological disorders. It can help in bone mineralization and exerts anti-ulcerative benefits. Also, it may aid in the healthy fetal development and growth of infants.
What is Spinach?
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is one of the most popular green, leafy vegetables in the world as it is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. It is native to the Middle East and was cultivated in Persia thousands of years ago. From there, it was brought into China and made its way into Europe. Spinach quickly became a staple in several cultural cuisines.
Due to the vast range of benefits from this vegetable, it is advised to consume spinach regularly. One of the biggest reasons why these greens are so important and valued around the world is that they are very durable. It can survive through the winter season and into spring if properly cared for. [1]
Spinach helps strengthen your bones. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Spinach can be eaten raw as a part of salads, and it can also be cooked or sautéed. This green leafy vegetable is the star ingredient in popular detox green juices and is usually combined with fruits like bananas, apples, and berries.
| Serving Size : | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 91.4 |
| Energy | 23 |
| Energy [kJ] | 97 |
| Protein [g] | 2.86 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 0.39 |
| Ash [g] | 1.72 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference [g] | 3.63 |
| Fiber, total dietary [g] | 2.2 |
| Sugars, total including NLEA [g] | 0.42 |
| Sucrose [g] | 0.07 |
| Glucose (dextrose) [g] | 0.11 |
| Fructose [g] | 0.15 |
| Galactose [g] | 0.1 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 99 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 2.71 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 79 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 49 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 558 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 79 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 0.53 |
| Copper, Cu [mg] | 0.13 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 0.9 |
| Selenium, Se [µg] | 1 |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] | 28.1 |
| Thiamin [mg] | 0.08 |
| Riboflavin [mg] | 0.19 |
| Niacin [mg] | 0.72 |
| Pantothenic acid [mg] | 0.07 |
| Vitamin B-6 [mg] | 0.2 |
| Folate, total [µg] | 194 |
| Folate, food [µg] | 194 |
| Folate, DFE [µg] | 194 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 19.3 |
| Betaine [mg] | 102.6 |
| Vitamin A, RAE [µg] | 469 |
| Carotene, beta [µg] | 5626 |
| Vitamin A, IU [IU] | 9377 |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] | 12198 |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] | 2.03 |
| Tocopherol, gamma [mg] | 0.18 |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] | 482.9 |
| Fatty acids, total saturated [g] | 0.06 |
| 14:0 [g] | 0.01 |
| 16:0 [g] | 0.05 |
| 18:0 [g] | 0 |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] | 0.01 |
| 16:1 [g] | 0.01 |
| 18:1 [g] | 0.01 |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] | 0.17 |
| 18:2 [g] | 0.03 |
| 18:3 [g] | 0.14 |
| Phytosterols [mg] | 9 |
| Tryptophan [g] | 0.04 |
| Threonine [g] | 0.12 |
| Isoleucine [g] | 0.15 |
| Leucine [g] | 0.22 |
| Lysine [g] | 0.17 |
| Methionine [g] | 0.05 |
| Cystine [g] | 0.04 |
| Phenylalanine [g] | 0.13 |
| Tyrosine [g] | 0.11 |
| Valine [g] | 0.16 |
| Arginine [g] | 0.16 |
| Histidine [g] | 0.06 |
| Alanine [g] | 0.14 |
| Aspartic acid [g] | 0.24 |
| Glutamic acid [g] | 0.34 |
| Glycine [g] | 0.13 |
| Proline [g] | 0.11 |
| Serine [g] | 0.1 |
| Sources include : USDA [2] | |
Spinach Nutrition
The various health benefits of spinach may be due to the presence of minerals, vitamins, pigments, and phytonutrients, including potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium. The green leafy vegetable is a source of vitamins like folate, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, and contains traces of the rest of the essential vitamins. Other important elements, including thiamine and riboflavin, which are used in various reactions in our body, may also be found in this green, leafy vegetable. The best part is that spinach can be very low in calories and have no fat content. [3]
Carbs in spinach: According to the USDA Food Central Database, 1 cup of raw spinach contains just 7 calories and 1.09 grams of carbohydrate, making it a healthy choice for dieters as well as keto followers. [4]
Natural plant compounds: It is also a good source of plant protein and carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein.
Health Benefits of Spinach
Spinach plays many important roles in helping to maintain a healthy body. The various health benefits may include the following.
May Improve Eyesight
Helen M Rasmussen, a researcher at Cambridge University, in her 2013 report published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging revealed that spinach may be a rich source of beta-carotene, lutein, and xanthene, all of which may be beneficial for eyesight. Beta-carotene, in raw spinach, may help boost eye health. It might also prevent vitamin A deficiencies, itching eyes, eye ulcers, and dry eyes. The anti-inflammatory properties of these greens can also reduce the puffiness or irritation in the eyes. [5]
The lutein and zeaxanthin present in spinach both may act as strong antioxidants, thus can prevent the eyes from the harsh effects of UV rays that lead to cataracts. They may also help reduce the impact of free radicals, which can be a major cause of cataracts and other eye conditions. [6]
May Help Prevent Macular Degeneration
AMD or Retinitis pigmentosa is responsible for causing blindness, which is due to the degeneration of lutein and xanthene that are a central part of the retina.
In a paper titled, ‘Age‐related macular degeneration and recent developments’, published in the Post Graduate Medical Journal, it was revealed that patients with AMD, can consume fresh green leafy vegetables, specifically spinach because it contains carotenoids. It also contains a wealth of antioxidants that might reduce the harmful effects of free radicals, which are known to negatively impact vision and cause age-related conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration as well. [7]
May Provide Neurological Benefits
Fernando Gómez-Pinilla, a researcher at the Department of Neurosurgery and Physiological Science, University of California, US, suggests that spinach with high antioxidant capacity has been associated with the mitochondrial activity which may possibly influence cognitive function. [8]
Several components of this vegetable like potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits to people who regularly consume it. Folate may help reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease. So consuming spinach might be a good idea for people who are at risk of neural or cognitive decline. Potassium is an integral part of brain health as well, and it can be linked to increased blood flow to the brain and heightened cognition, concentration, and neural activity. [9]
May Relieve Symptoms of Hemophilia
Vitamin K-rich spinach can help in blood clotting by producing prothrombin and it may help relieve symptoms of hemophilia. It can be great for controlling excessive bleeding and it can also keep the liver functioning by stimulating the production of glycogen.
However, if you are taking an anticoagulant such as warfarin (brand name is Coumadin), it is advised to not increase your leafy green intake. You should discuss your current intake with your health care provider or registered dietitian and monitor vitamin K intake while taking warfarin. [10]
May Maintain Blood Pressure
Spinach may also be rich in potassium and contains low sodium content in its raw form before preparation. This composition of minerals can prove to be highly beneficial for people with high blood pressure as potassium may regulate blood pressure. Folate present in spinach may also contribute to the reduction of hypertension and can relax blood vessels, while maintaining proper blood flow. By reducing blood pressure and relaxing the tension of vessels and arteries, you can reduce stress on the cardiovascular system and increase oxygenation to the body’s organ systems for optimal functionality. [11]
May Strengthen Muscles
Factor Coenzyme-Q10 (C0-Q10), which is an antioxidant present in spinach, may play an important role in strengthening muscles, especially heart muscles which continuously pump blood to all parts of the body. C0-Q10 might also be used to prevent several cardiovascular diseases like hyperlipidemia, heart failure, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. [12]
May Help in Bone Mineralization
Spinach is a good source of vitamin K, which can help retain calcium in the bone matrix, leading to bone mineralization. Apart from this, other minerals like manganese, copper, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus also can help in building up strong bones. This, in turn, can help prevent an individual from developing osteoporosis. These minerals may also be essential for maintaining healthy teeth and nails. [13] [14]
May Help Aid the Digestive System
According to a paper titled, ‘Antiulcer Activity of Aqueous Extract of Spinacia Oleracia in Rats’, published in the International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Chemistry, spinach can protect the mucous membrane of the stomach, thereby decreasing the occurrence of gastric ulcers. Furthermore, the glycoglycerolipids found in spinach may boost the strength of the digestive tract lining, and therefore it might also prevent any unwanted inflammation in that part of the body. [15]
May Prevent Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is caused due to the hardening of the arteries. A pigment called lutein that is found in spinach may reduce the occurrence of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. This is because spinach proteins tend to reduce cholesterol and other fat deposits in the blood vessels. [16]
May Help with Fetal Development
Spinach is rich in folate and is suggested for pregnant women. A growing fetus needs an ample amount of folate for proper development of the nervous system. Defects like cleft palate or spina bifida may occur due to a deficiency of folate. The high levels of vitamin A in it are advised to be consumed in recommended daily amounts by the mother. Vitamin A may be required for proper lung development of the fetus and can be transferred during breastfeeding, so spinach consumption is recommended to be continued after birth as well. [17] [18]
May Reduce Inflammation
There are many anti-inflammatory compounds found in spinach; more than a dozen. They are classified into the category of methylenedioxy flavonoid glucuronides, and spinach may be one of the most powerful vegetables when it comes to reducing inflammation throughout the body. This may not only protect the heart but can also reduce the inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis and gout, which afflict millions of people around the world. [19]
May Help Protect Skin
Different phytonutrients and pigments may help protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, including UV rays. [20]
May Be A Potent Source Of Proteins for Infant Growth
‘Popeye, the Sailor Man’ is known for his obsession with spinach. The cartoon was deliberately aimed to convince children to eat spinach and get strong. Infants are advised to be fed spinach, which may give them protein, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Intake of these nutrients via spinach can result in proportionate development in their essential growing stages.
Simple Spinach Recipes
Tender baby spinach leaves are a great addition to any salad preparation you make. But don’t limit yourself to that. Here are some easy spinach recipes.
Wilted spinach: Warm olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Now add spinach leaves to it and sauté. Add salt and pepper to season. If you want, you can add dark soy sauce or any sauce of your choice. You can also garnish it with some seeds and nuts.
Lasagna rolls: Lay cooked lasagna noodles on a cloth. Now take a bowl and mix 2 cups minced spinach, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 2-3 finely chopped garlic cloves, salt, oregano, and ground black pepper. Now spread this mixture on the noodles and make them into rolls. Grease a 9*9 baking dish and place the rolls in it. Now slather some marinara sauce on it and cheese if you like. Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F.
Strawberry spinach salad: A simple salad of baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and chopped almonds drizzled with balsamic vinegar can make a perfect summer lunch. Try our Crunchy Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe made with spinach for a fall special.
We have many juice and smoothie recipes where you can enjoy the fresh green goodness of spinach. Here are our favorites:
- Matcha Green Tea Smoothie
- Pineapple And Spinach Green Smoothie Recipe
- Green Juice Recipe
- Detox Beet Juice Recipe
Word of Caution
For people with kidney problems: Those who are receiving dialysis due to End-Stage Renal Disease are advised to consume a diet low in potassium and phosphorus, therefore spinach intake is to be limited and discussed with your Registered Dietitian. Additionally, if you have a history of kidney stones, it is best to limit your spinach intake as it is high in oxalates, a natural plant compound that can interfere with calcium absorption. It can cause the formation of calcium stones, which consists of mainly calcium oxalates. [21] [22]
Also, those who are on anticoagulants are not advised to increase their spinach intake, but rather keep spinach intake, if any, the same before taking Warfarin. [23]
