13 Health Benefits of Spinach, Not Just Nourishing the Bones

Kapanlagi.com - Spinach is a favorite type of vegetable that is often consumed in various dishes. Spinach is not only easily found in Indonesia, but it is also very popular in various countries. Being a vegetable that has many healthy contents, it is not surprising that the benefits of spinach for body health are also very numerous.

Spinach is a green-colored vegetable that originates from America and has spread throughout the world, including Indonesia. Usually, spinach can be made into various dishes such as spinach salad, stir-fried spinach, spinach pasta, spinach chips, gado-gado, and so on. Almost all types of recipes are suitable with spinach.

In addition to its delicious taste, spinach is also rich in vitamins that are beneficial for health. For example, in 100 grams of raw spinach, it contains 23 calories, 91% water, 2.9 grams of protein, 3.6 grams of carbohydrates, 0.4 grams of sugar, 2.2 grams of fiber, and 0.4 grams of fat. Most of the carbohydrates in spinach consist of fiber which is good for health.

In addition, the content of vitamins and minerals in spinach is also very high. Starting from vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin K1, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. So it's no wonder that spinach is one of the vegetables that have many nutrients for the body. Then what are the benefits of spinach for health? Here are the benefits of spinach for health as reported from various sources.

1. Preventing Cancer

Illustration (credit: Freepik)

The first benefit of spinach is that it can prevent chronic diseases such as cancer. Spinach contains two components that can slow down cancer growth. The two components in spinach are monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG).

These contents can prevent cancer growth in the body. Some types of cancer that can be anticipated by consuming spinach are colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer.

2. Maintaining Brain Health

Then the next benefit of spinach is that it can maintain brain health. The anti-inflammatory effects in spinach can protect the brain from damage. In a study, researchers tracked the eating patterns and cognitive abilities of over 950 older adults for about five years.

As a result, the researchers observed a significant decrease in the rate of cognitive decline among those who consumed more leafy green vegetables. So it's no wonder that spinach is one of the vegetables that is quite good for maintaining brain health.

3. Nourishing the Eyes

Illustration (credit: Freepik)

Not only does spinach maintain brain health, but its benefits are also very good for maintaining eye health, KLovers. The eyes are indeed important to be given nutrition. And one good nutrition for the eyes is by consuming spinach.

This is because the carotenoid content such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin in spinach can maintain eye health. Not only does it provide health, but all of these contents can also prevent macular degeneration and cataracts in the eyes.

4. Boosting Body Immunity

In addition to foods that contain the immune system like ginger, it turns out that spinach also has the benefit of boosting immunity in the body, KLovers. Immunity, or better known as the body's defense system, is very important to have so that the body can fight various diseases. In fact, in this condition, the body will be easily attacked by viruses and bacteria that can cause someone to get sick.

But don't worry KLovers, the content of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium in spinach is believed to be able to increase your body's immunity. So you can provide nutrition and body resistance by consuming spinach. You can process spinach with healthy and nutritious recipes according to your taste.

5. Strengthening Muscles

Illustration (credit: Freepik)

In fact, another benefit of spinach is that it can strengthen the muscles in your body, KLovers. This is because spinach contains antioxidants thanks to the C0-Q10 factor, which plays an important role in strengthening muscles, especially the heart muscles that constantly pump blood throughout the body.

C0-Q10 can be used to prevent and treat many cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipidemia, heart failure, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. So you can consume spinach in the right amount to get strong body muscles.

6. Maintaining Heart Health

As previously explained, spinach can strengthen muscles, especially those in the heart. So it's no wonder that spinach can also provide health benefits for your heart. This is because spinach contains antioxidants and folic acid, which can prevent the risk of heart attacks. Therefore, consuming spinach regularly can help maintain good heart health.

7. Lowering Blood Pressure

Illustration (credit: Freepik)

Having high blood pressure can be very dangerous for the body and can lead to diseases such as stroke and heart problems. However, to treat hypertension, you can consume spinach. In fact, spinach is believed to effectively treat hypertension or high blood pressure.

The benefits of spinach are due to its high nitrate content, which can help lower blood pressure in the body. In a study of 27 individuals, it was found that consuming spinach can effectively lower blood pressure. So if you have high blood pressure, you can consume spinach.

8. Overcoming Anemia

Not only able to overcome high blood pressure, it turns out that spinach also has the benefit of overcoming anemia in the body, KLovers. Someone who has anemia indeed has a body condition with a very low iron level. And to overcome this, people suffering from anemia must consume foods that are high in iron.

And you can get this iron level from spinach. Yup! Spinach is indeed a good source of iron intake. However, it should also be noted, KLovers, because spinach also contains oxalate which can inhibit the absorption of iron when consumed. To overcome this, you can consume vitamin C which can help the absorption of iron.

9. Nourishing Bones

Illustration (credit: Freepik)

Apparently, spinach can also nourish bones very well, KLovers. By consuming spinach, you can maintain bone health very well. Bones are indeed one of the most important parts of the body to be maintained, because if the bones lack nutrition, it will make a person more susceptible to osteoporosis.

And by consuming spinach, you can provide extraordinary nutrition. This is because the vitamin K content in spinach can absorb calcium by the bones. So that the bones will become stronger and the risk of brittle bones can be minimized effectively.

10. Reducing Inflammation

Not only can spinach nourish the bones, but it can also reduce inflammation, KLovers. Inflammation can be experienced by anyone, and those who experience inflammation usually feel pain in the joints. And this is often experienced by the elderly.

However, to reduce the risk of inflammation, you can use the benefits of spinach. This is because the high antioxidant content in spinach helps fight free radicals that can cause inflammation. In diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation is the cause of joint pain. So this can be prevented by consuming spinach from now on.

11. Good for Diabetes

Illustration (credit: Freepik)

Diabetes is one of the dangerous diseases for sufferers. They must pay attention to the food they consume so that blood sugar levels in the body do not increase, which can cause fatal consequences. There are many foods that can be consumed for diabetes patients, one of which is spinach.

The alpha-lipoic content in spinach can lower blood sugar very well. Thus, it improves insulin sensitivity and prevents oxidative stress changes in diabetes patients. It also reduces the risk of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy in diabetes.

12. Good for Diet

The next benefit of spinach is that it is very good for those of you who are on a diet. It is not uncommon for someone who is on a diet program to consume spinach in their healthy meals. This is because spinach has a very high fiber content. The high fiber content in spinach is usually used by dieters to prevent hunger for a long time. In addition, the fiber in spinach is also good for smooth digestion.

Not only that, spinach is also high in carbohydrates but has very low calories. The carbohydrates in a bowl of spinach are equivalent to eating one serving of rice. So by consuming spinach, with low calories, you will feel full longer and don't have to worry about gaining weight.

13. Maintaining Facial Health

Illustration (credit: Freepik)

And the last benefit of spinach is that it can maintain the health of your face. Yup! Spinach is indeed rich in antioxidants, so it is very good for skin protection. In addition, the water content in spinach is also very good for hydrating your body and skin. So the skin is protected from dryness, which causes premature aging.

Not only that, the vitamin A content in the benefits of spinach can also improve health by providing proper moisture retention in the epidermis. So it fights skin problems like acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and so on. So if you want to have healthy facial skin, you can consume spinach.

Those are the 13 benefits of spinach for the body that you must know. Not only can it be your favorite vegetable, but spinach also has incredible benefits in providing body health and nourishing the skin.

(kpl/dhm)