Eating Spinach is Actaully Good for You

Spinach seems to be able to lessen our risk for many of the most common diseases of the twenty first century. Overwhelming research has demonstrated an inverse relationship between spinach consumption and the following:

• Cardiovascular disease including stroke and coronary artery disease

• Cancer including colon, lung, skin, oral, stomach, ovarian, prostate and breast cancer

• Age related macular degeneration (AMD)

• Cataracts
In addition, preliminary research suggests that spinach may help prevent or delay age-related cognitive decline.

What makes spinach and its related veggies such powerful health promoters? The list of compounds that have been discovered in spinach is truly impressive. Spinach contains carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, polyphenols, betaine and, interestingly, plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids. This is a condensed list and it's hard to convey the powerful impact of these nutrients as they work synergistically to promote health.

Spinach and its related leafy greens, are important in the prevention of macular degeneration because of their rich supply of the carotenoids lutein/zeaxanthin and, coupled with dietary marine-based omega 3 fatty acids, can offer a powerful reduction in the risk of AMD. It's interesting to note that all of the lutein and a significant percentage of the zeaxanthin found in the macular come from the diet, thus reinforcing the prescription to eat the best sources of lutein - spinach and kale - regularly. For those who just can't do green veggies or fish, the DHA eggs, found in virtually every market, supply very bioavailable amounts of lutein, zeaxanthin and DHA.

It's not surprising that spinach is a powerful ally in the fight against cancer. A number of studies have shown an inverse relationship between spinach consumption and almost every type of cancer. Researchers believe that it's the rich supply of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytonutrients that do the job. For example, spinach offers a rich supply of glutathione and alpha lipoic acid - two critical antioxidants. These substances are manufactured in the body but as we age our ability to produce them subsides. That's when spinach can make an important contribution with its ready-made supply of both glutathione and alpha lipoic acid. In addition to these two antioxidants, spinach supplies the carotenoids lutein/zeaxanthin and beta-carotene which play an important role in our body's anti-cancer defence systems.

As well as its significant contributions to the promotion of eye health and prevention of cancer, spinach (and other leafy green vegetables) also promotes cardiovascular heath. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other nutrients in spinach, work together to prevent oxidized cholesterol from building up in the blood vessel walls. We can't forget about the fabulous folate in spinach. Folate is an important contributor to heart health as it works, along with B6 and betaine, to lower serum levels of the dangerous amino acid homocysteine. We are learning more every day about the dangers of homocysteine and its association with heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and age-related cognitive decline.

Finally, we can't forget the potassium and magnesium in spinach which also make significant contributions to heart health. Both work to lower blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

by : jill sabato