What does spinach have in it thats healthy for you?!
Actually, it is a myth that spinach is rich in iron. It does have it, but no more than other green vegetables. Even then, it's loaded with oxalic acid, which prevents more than 90 percent of the iron from being absorbed by the body. So, if you're looking for iron, don't waste your time with spinach. :)
That aside, spinach does have lots of vitamin A, E, beta carotene, calcium and several other beneficial antioxidants. However, again, because of the oxalate content, your body will not absorb many of those benefits, including the calcium. Spinach is a good thing to eat, but it's not the super-food most think it is.
When eating things rich in oxalates like spinach, it's important to keep in mind that while you may be eating a good meal, those oxalates will decrease the absorption of benefits. Not to mention that consuming lots of oxalates will contribute to gout and kidney stones. Just make sure you cook the stuff before you eat it. It's much better for you cooked than raw since heat breaks down oxalic acid.
Answers: E. Coli? (kidding)
Actually, it is a myth that spinach is rich in iron. It does have it, but no more than other green vegetables. Even then, it's loaded with oxalic acid, which prevents more than 90 percent of the iron from being absorbed by the body. So, if you're looking for iron, don't waste your time with spinach. :)
That aside, spinach does have lots of vitamin A, E, beta carotene, calcium and several other beneficial antioxidants. However, again, because of the oxalate content, your body will not absorb many of those benefits, including the calcium. Spinach is a good thing to eat, but it's not the super-food most think it is.
When eating things rich in oxalates like spinach, it's important to keep in mind that while you may be eating a good meal, those oxalates will decrease the absorption of benefits. Not to mention that consuming lots of oxalates will contribute to gout and kidney stones. Just make sure you cook the stuff before you eat it. It's much better for you cooked than raw since heat breaks down oxalic acid.
vitamin a, zink......
lots of potassium
Iron.
It's loaded with calcium, folic acid, vitamin K and iron. Also rich in vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids. Add its lutein and bioflavanoids and spinach is a nutritional powerhouse.
http://www.cookingnook.com/health-benefi...
vitamins
iron ,calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, and several vital antioxidants.
Its iron that's great for giving you energy,the most nutritious vegetable is the sweet potato I believe.
iron, zinc and fibre :)
it must have a lot of good stuff in it, look at popeye,
Health Benefits of Spinach
Like other dark greens, spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful disease-fighting antioxidant that's been shown, among other things, to reduce the risk of developing cataracts. It fights heart disease and cancer as well.
As a dark, leafy green, spinach possesses several important phytochemicals, including lutein, which helps prevent age-related macular degeneration. Spinach also contains lipoic acid, which helps antioxidant vitamins C and E regenerate. Because of its role in energy production, lipoic acid is being investigated for regulating blood sugar levels.
Served raw, spinach is a good source of vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant. Overcook it, however, and you lose most of this important vitamin. Though spinach is rich in calcium, most of it is unavailable, because oxalic acid in spinach binds with calcium, preventing its absorption. The abundant potassium in spinach is available, and it will promote heart health. When you cook spinach, it cooks down tremendously. Because cooking concentrates nutrients and fiber, a serving of cooked spinach gives you even more bang for your buck than a serving of raw.
Nutritional Values of Raw Spinach
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories 7
Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Carbohydrate 1 g
Protein 1 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sodium 24 mg
Vitamin A 2,813 IU
Folic Acid 58 micrograms
Vitamin C 16 mg
Iron 1 mg
Manganese <1 mg
Potassium 167 mg
Carotenoids 5,347 micrograms
I love spinach. Can't eat enough of it. I like it just barely steamed with balsamic vinager on it with a touch of real butter. Enjoy
it has vitamins and calcium too suprisingly!