The Power of Spinach

Sure, it might not look like much, but a serving of spinach can pack a real punch! With an [...]

Spinach

Sure, it might not look like much, but a serving of spinach can pack a real punch! With an overwhelming amount of benefits like improved skin, hair and bone health, added protein, and iron, vitamins and minerals, this super food really deserves a place on your table. Of course you know that spinach is oh-so-boringly "good for you," but the extent of the power of this hearty veggie is generally lost on the masses. We've compiled a list of reasons why spinach is not only healthy, but also an absolutely essential element to your overall well-being.

>> Read more: Glossary of Foods: Spinach

Spinach is an excellent source of dietary magnesium. This may not sound that impressive, but dietary magnesium is necessary for energy metabolism (the process of generating energy from nutrients). It also goes a long way in supporting and maintaining muscle growth and nerve function, a healthy immune system, and hundreds of other biochemical reactions in our bodies.

Spinach helps promote heart health. Research has shown that consuming spinach can actually improve blood glucose control, which can lower that high blood pressure and even reduce your risk of cancer! This leafy-green delight is low in calories, high in fiber, and overflowing with important nutrients like potassium, folate, and magnesium, which promote heart health!

Spinach is a great source of iron.

 If you are looking for a way to increase your iron intake without shelling out money for a steak, then why not swap out a spinach salad? A couple cups of spinach contain nearly as much iron as red meat, so go ahead and give our Tandoori Chicken and Spinach Salad a try!>> Read more: Glossary of Supplements: Iron

tandoori chicken and spinach salad

Spinach aids in diabetes management. One of the wonderful elements of spinach is an antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid, which can actually lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in diabetic people. You can also try these 15 Recipes for People with Diabetes, too!

Spinach can reduce the risk of cancer. With all those foods out there that are pumped full of steroids and cancer-causing chemicals, it's refreshing to realize that whipping together a simple spinach salad can go a long way in depleting your risks of getting cancer! A study in Japan found that spinach may inhibit the destruction of DNA, cancer cell growth, and tumor growth. The nutrients found in spinach actually reduce the ability of tumors to supply themselves with blood, which they use to fuel their growth.

>> Read more: Put Up a Fight in Your Kitchen: Cancer-Fighting Foods and Practices

Spinach contributes to asthma prevention. We're not recommending that you reach for a bowl of spinach instead of your inhaler, but research has shown that the risks for developing asthma are lower in people who regularly consume certain nutrients, including spinach! Spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is one of the key elements in eliminating the risk of asthma.

Spinach promotes regularity: If you find yourself constantly struggling to get enough fiber in your diet, then you need to try incorporating more spinach! This leafy veggie is super high in fiber and water content, which will help to eliminate constipation. Adding spinach to your favorite meals will go a long way in promoting a healthy digestive tract!

woman eating salad

Spinach stimulates healthy skin and hair: Spinach is packed with vitamins A and C, which are imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen. Collagen provides structure and volume to your skin and hair, so if you are looking to grow out your pixie cut or relieve that dry, staticky texture, it might be time to sneak some spinach into your menu!

If you are worried about incorporating spinach into your diet, have no fear! We've got you covered. If you are looking for a savory and filling dinner to impress your friends, why not give our Quinoa Spinach Parmesan Risotto a try? Or if you are looking for a way to add some spinach power to your morning, go ahead and whip up one of our favorites, our Turkey Bacon, Egg White, Spinach Breakfast Sandwich. Even if a raw spinach salad just really isn't your thing, there are a ton of ways to squeeze this super food into your day. With all of these health benefits, how could you resist? To learn more about spinach, check out our sources: Natural News, Medical News Today, American Institute for Cancer Research, Naturally Healthy Eating.

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