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What are Some Health Benefits of Spinach?

Adam Hill
Adam Hill

Spinach is one of the most nutrient-rich foods in the world. Its combination of vitamins, fiber, and anti-oxidants make it suited to a number of nutritional requirements. Many of the substances in spinach are useful for fighting and preventing a number of diseases, including cancer. The benefits of spinach are numerous and have been documented by studies and anecdotal evidence alike throughout the years.

As is the case with other dark, leafy greens like bok choy and kale, spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene. This anti-oxidant can preserve eye health ad well as fighting heart disease and cancer. A phytochemical known as lutein is also present in spinach, and is known for its ability to prevent macular degeneration, a precursor to blindness. A lesser-known chemical called lipoic acid is under study as a tool for regulating blood sugar, and it is also naturally found in spinach.

Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.

Perhaps the most well-known nutrient in the world, vitamin C, is abundantly present in spinach. This powerful antioxidant is essential for maintaining general good health, and some early studies have found possible evidence that vitamin C can reduce the occurrence of the common cold. Most of the vitamin C is lost, however, if the spinach is cooked. Another of the health benefits of spinach is its abundant potassium, which promotes heart health. Calcium, while abundant in spinach, is actually unable to be absorbed by the human body in this case because of another chemical, oxalic acid, which binds with it.

Carotenoids in spinach may cause prostate cancer cells to self-destruct.
Carotenoids in spinach may cause prostate cancer cells to self-destruct.

Two other classes of nutrients -- flavonoids and carotenids -- are in spinach, and these have some very important properties. At least 13 different flavonoid compounds have been identified in spinach that can function as cancer-fighters and antioxidants. Some of them are promising enough that scientists have created specialized spinach extracts to be used in studies. These flavonoids have been shown to fight or prevent breast, skin, and stomach cancers.

Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C and minerals such as manganese, iron and potassium.
Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C and minerals such as manganese, iron and potassium.

Among the more intriguing benefits of spinach are those provided by carotenoids. One type of carotenoid, called neoxanthin, causes prostate cancer cells to self-destruct. It is converted by the body into other chemicals which prevent these cells from multiplying.

Two more notable benefits of spinach are those of improved bone health and cardiovascular fitness. A moderate serving of spinach leaves contains almost twice the vitamin K that a person needs in a day. This vitamin is essential for maintaining bone structure and health. Folate is found in spinach in large amounts as well. This nutrient is used by the body to safely break down chemicals that can lead to heart attack or stroke if their concentrations are too high.

Discussion Comments

Sporkasia

I use spinach leaves in place of lettuce in the salads I prepare for my family at home. My kids prefer the taste of the lettuce, but spinach has so many more health benefits that I made an executive decision and made the switch. Besides, once I get all of the other ingredients tossed in and then add salad dressing on top, they don't complain.

mobilian33

If you say you don't like the taste of spinach then this just means you haven't had this vegetable prepared the right way for you yet. I can understand not eating a food if you are allergic to it, but the taste should never turn you away.

All you have to do is find a recipe that has spinach and some other foods and spices you like. You might want to try a cheese sauce with the vegetable. Everything is better with cheese.

If all else fails, get a blender and enjoy the health benefits of spinach leaves in liquid form mixed with other fruits and vegetables.

Laotionne

Spinach sounds like a really healthy food. My friends have been telling me to include spinach as one of the vegetables in this new diet I am about to begin. As healthy as the article makes this vegetable sound, I don't think I can get over the taste. I think spinach tastes awful.

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    • Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
      By: tashka2000
      Spinach can be used to make healthy, green smoothies.
    • Carotenoids in spinach may cause prostate cancer cells to self-destruct.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Carotenoids in spinach may cause prostate cancer cells to self-destruct.
    • Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C and minerals such as manganese, iron and potassium.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C and minerals such as manganese, iron and potassium.
    • Spinach contains leutin, which has been known to prevent macular degeneration.
      By: JackF
      Spinach contains leutin, which has been known to prevent macular degeneration.