In the 20th century, the Popeye cartoons made spinach popular with the young — even though it holds 20 times less iron than meat. That changes nothing: the vegetable remains a major health asset, from weight control to cardiovascular protection.
The top 7 benefits of spinach
A low glycaemic index
Spinach holds very little sugar, which makes it a good fit for a low-glycaemic-index diet.
A slimming ally
This vegetable is low in calorie density and high on the satiety index. It makes a very reliable slimming ally.
Rich in magnesium
Spinach is rich in magnesium. It is said to benefit pregnant women by reducing the risk of miscarriage, and to help ease the pain and cramps that come with periods.
Cardiovascular health
The betaine this vegetable contains is thought to hold down high concentrations of homocysteine in the blood, an amino acid suspected of causing cardiovascular disease.
Eye health
The carotenoids in spinach are said to improve eye health by lowering the risk of cataracts and of age-related sight degeneration.
A powerful antioxidant
Spinach is a good source of antioxidants, good for the skin and for health in general, whatever form it comes in: raw, cooked, tinned or frozen.
A possible part in cancer prevention
Spinach contains chlorophyll, thought to help flush out the toxins associated with cancer. According to a study from Oregon State University, eating spinach regularly could therefore help lower the cancer risks tied to our environment.
Feel like cooking them? Try our spinach flan recipe — it may be all the persuasion you need.
