Wonder – Spinach

Natural wonder – Spinach

Did your mother make you eat lots of palak (spinach) when you were a kid? You should probably call and thank her!

Popeye certainly had the right idea when he reached for that can of spinach before he embarked on an adventure to save his lady love, Olive. Spinach isn’t known as a superfood for nothing! This green leafy vegetable does wonders for your body and skin.

Spinach and its nutrients

Spinach contains heart healthy vitamin A and C. It’s also rich in the vitamin B complex called folic acid. Spinach is also loaded with magnesium. In fact, studies show that one cup can fulfill 40% of your daily magnesium requirement.

Spinach is also low in calories which makes it great for dieters. Try a great spinach recipe which is also good for diabetics!

Health benefits of spinach

Fight off osteoporosis and cancer: Improper diet is one of the causes of this condition which reduced bone strength. Spinach, with all its vitamins and minerals helps you ward off serious health issues.

Better your vision: Research shows that eating spinach reduces the risk of macular degeneration. It is said to be the most common type of blindness for people over the age of 60. This may be due to the presence of lutein and zeaxanthin in spinach.

Heal your body: Folate, which is present in copious amounts in spinach helps your body make and repair DNA and cells. So stock up and help your body heal itself.

Power up the antioxidants: The benefits of antioxidants are manifold. They help you fight free radicals which are produced by your body during its normal processes. Without antioxidants, these free radicals may damage your cells and even lead to heart diseases.

Perfect for weight loss: Since spinach is loaded with nutrients and contains practically no calories, it’s perfect for your diet. Use it with a liberal hand in your salads, soups, sabzis! This vegetable can do no wrong.

Keep your PMS in check: This may be news for you. Magnesium in spinach helps reduce the symptoms of PMS. Keep the bloated feeling to a minimum, indulge in some palak.

Ladies, learn more about your pms and what you should be eating. Read our article on pms and nutrition here.

Keep your heart happy: Spinach contains heart friendly vitamin A and C. Together they help to reduce cholesterol levels which in turn lead to better cardiac health.

Watch our interview with Dr. Devi Shetty, renowned cardiologist to know more about how you can keep your heart healthy.

Pump up your immune system: Nutrient rich spinach does wonders for your immune system. Keep common colds and cough at bay, protect your family by adding this wonderful vegetable in your diet!

So don’t hesitate before taking that second helping of palak paneer or indulging in some yummy palaksoup! There is goodness in every bite!