Healing properties of spinach are known from ancient times, evidence of its cultivation dates back to 3-4 century. Homeland vegetables is considered ancient Persia, translated from the Persian name means “green hand”. Among Arabs is known as “Prince of vegetables.” Leaves of spinach are rich in calcium salts, iron, zinc, omega-3, selenium proteins and vitamins of the group A, C, B1, B2, E, PP, thanks to which, in addition tasty food product has properties that prevent various types of diseases.
The healing properties of spinach – anemia
The presence of folic acid and vitamin composition of spinach gave him the ability to raise the level of hemoglobin in the blood. It is therefore recommended in the treatment of anemia. Raw, steamed or lightly boiled, it is a rich source of folic acid, which is highly recommended for pregnant women.
Role in raising hemoglobin play and trace elements such as iron, cobalt, calcium, potassium and copper, which are also found in spinach and encourage the development of red blood cells.
Healing properties of spinach – Diabetes
Spinach has the ability to stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas, which is why it is recommended for diabetics. In a large study British Medical Journal describes the impact of spinach and other vegetables on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Scientists believe that people who consume daily 150 grams of spinach and other leafy green vegetables, risking 14 percent less to develop diabetes than those that consume only 20 grams.
Furthermore, spinach contains a lot of magnesium, hence the green color. Namely magnesium stimulates the activation of the insulin due to be controlled which glycogen levels in the blood.
Healing properties of spinach against cancer. Found 13 different flavonoid compounds constituting the spinach acting antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals and prevent cancer. In laboratory tests it was found that the extract from spinach appreciably slowing the division of cancer cells of the skin and the stomach. Another study from the late 80s of the twentieth century with the older women of New England shows that eating spinach will reduce the spread of breast cancer. Plays a role in the content of lutein in vegetables and overall anticancer properties of spinach are due to folic acid hlorofilinat, tocopherol. People with this diagnosis, however, should be advised by their doctor as some cancers green leafy vegetables are not recommended.
Spinach to strengthen the cardiovascular system
Folic acid in spinach favors strengthening of the cardiovascular system, and the magnesium helps to lower high blood pressure. Folic acid has the ability to protect cells from damage and to prevent DNA mutations, as well as to regulate the levels of LDL. Proven spinach, like lettuce, reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke in women.
Healing properties of spinach against gastrointestinal diseases
Rich in vitamins and trace elements in spinach keep colon diseases. Recommended are the prevention of gastritis and enterocolitis, but people who are diagnosed with a disease of the stomach or liver problems should avoid it. The reason is that it contains vegetable secretin, a substance that stimulates the activity of the gastric glands.
Spinach slows the decrease of brain function
Continuous consumption of this vegetable slows the reduction of the cerebral functions with age, due to the content of vitamin C. It is recommended, and in atherosclerosis, because vitamin K plays a role in a process called carboxylation.
For the prevention of atherosclerosis is recommended daily cup spinach. Vitamin K again support the functions of the brain and nervous system.
Spinach protects against eye diseases
The presence of the carotenoids lutein in spinach prevent ocular diseases such as cataract and macular degeneration. Check you of scientists from the National Institute of Eye (National Eye Institute) in the U.S. have found that spinach has substances that protect older people from blindness. The study results, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, suggest that this is due to lutein and zeaxanthin from the group of carotenoids. These two nutrients help the eyes to filter short light rays and other factors that irritate the retina. Healing properties of spinach against obesity . Spinach is an extremely low-calorie vegetable – 22 calories per 100 grams. This makes it very suitable food in obesity. At the same time it creates a feeling of satiety, as its leaves contain about 34% protein, but almost no fat.
Spinach is rich in fiber food, so salads with the addition of spring vegetables are recommended for all weight loss diets. Some nutritionists recommend that before each meal to accept spinach as it satiates hunger for long.
Healing properties of spinach for healthy bones
Spinach has long been known for its ability to strengthen bones. This is due again to the record amounts of vitamin K, which helps durability of our bones.
Spinach is high and calcium. It can provide 25% of the daily requirement of this element, so it is recommended to women for prevention of osteoporosis.
Spinach leaves are a great therapeutic food for arthritis, migraine, asthma, and other inflammations. It is used in folk medicine. Rubbing the leaves is recommended sting, burn or abrasion, helping the skin to recover faster.
It is used in home cosmetics. Some of the fair sex prepare mask it. To the powdered leaves are added to yogurt spoonful of lemon juice and the resulting mixture was aged at the face for 10 minutes, then washed with lukewarm water. Effective results in the fight against acne, spots on the face and sensitive skin.
Spinach, however, lies a healthy risk to people allergic to the iron-rich vegetable. Not recommended for people with kidney failure and problematic bile, due to the presence of oxalic acid in its composition. It provokes the formation of kidney stones and bile.