BENEFITS of SPINACH LEAVES

Calorie for calorie, leafy green vegetables like spinach with its delicate texture and jade green color provide more nutrients than any other food.

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin E. In addition, it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, niacin and selenium.

How to Select and Store:

Choose spinach that has vibrant deep green leaves and stems with no signs of yellowing. The leaves should look fresh and tender, and not be wilted or bruised. Avoid those that have a slimy coating as this is an indication of decay.

Store fresh spinach loosely packed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper where it will keep fresh for about five days. Do not wash it before storing as the moisture will cause it to spoil. Avoid storing cooked spinach as it will not keep very well.

Benefits os Spinach:

1.The keys to the benefits of spinach for bone health comes in the form of Vitamin K, Vitamin A and magnesium. Spinach, along with other green vegetables brussel sprouts and broccoli, is one of the best food sources of Vitamin K.

2.Spinach for Heart & Cardiovascular Health - Eat more spinach. Your heart and arteries will thank you.

3.Spinach is rich in the mineral potassium and low in sodium. Potassium or potassium-rich diets are an effective first line of defence against high blood pressure / hypertension. Potassium salts are commonly recommended as a substitute of sodium chloride (common table/cooking salt) for people at risk of or suffering from high blood pressure. Potassium lowers blood pressure. Sodium raises blood pressure. Spinach, being high in potassium and low in sodium is therefore a clear choice for your cardiovascular health.

4.Beta carotene, abundant in spinach, is a precursor to Vitamin A. The human body converts beta carotene into Vitamin A. Deficiencies of Vitamin A (resulting primarily from inadequate intake of food sources of beta carotene, such as spinach or carrots) result in poor eyesight and most significantly poor night vision and even night blindness. Other eye-related symptoms of a Vitamin A deficiency include dry eyes, eye ulceration, burning and itching eyes.