The truth about spinach. Lygia Alexandrescu: It’s called the stomach sweep. We tried to eat spinach just to be as strong as Popeye

Spinach, a leafy green vegetable, belongs to the amaranth family and is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It can be canned or fresh, eaten cooked or raw, and is delicious on its own or in other dishes. Spinach is rich in fiber, which is beneficial for health. It also contains small amounts of sugar, mainly glucose and fructose.

“Spinach is a plant in the Amaranthaceae family and was first cultivated in South West Asia. Ever since childhood we were all fans of Popeye the Sailor and tried to eat spinach just to be as strong like him. And the strength of this cartoon character came from the large amount of iron that spinach contains.

Between us, in the 1930s an erroneous statistic was published regarding the foods richest in iron. Thus, for spinach a quantity of iron 10 times higher than in reality was reported. That doesn’t make spinach any less nutritionally valuable,” said nutritionist Lygia Alexandrescu.

It helps the liver and eyes

Spinach, rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, a carotenoid responsible for the color of vegetables. These pigments also protect human eyes against damage from sunlight and prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, the leading causes of blindness. Studies suggest that these compounds can even reverse existing damage.

“It therefore contains iron, calcium, chlorophyll, beta-carotene (necessary for the formation of vitamin A), vitamin C, B6, sodium and potassium. The sulfur that spinach contains helps to detoxify the liver and vitamin A helps to improve vision over time at night,” explains the nutritionist.

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It can prevent cancer

Spinach has been associated with slowing cancer growth and reducing tumor size, according to Healthline. Eating spinach has been linked to reducing the risk of prostate cancer, preventing breast cancer, and suppressing cancer formation in animals. Additionally, spinach contains high amounts of antioxidants, which may also help fight cancer.

“Due to the high content of flavonoid compounds (13), spinach is an anti-cancer food. Certain extracts of spinach have been produced and clinical studies have shown that they help inhibit the development of stomach and skin cancer cells As a form of preparation, spinach can be consumed fresh in the form of a salad or sautéed. Fresh spinach leaves can be kept in the refrigerator for 7-8 days, and can be stored in the freezer for 6 months,” explained Lygia Alexandrescu. for DC Medical.

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Regulates blood pressure

Spinach, rich in nitrates, has been found to moderate blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. A study of 27 people found that spinach effectively lowered blood pressure levels, indicating its potential to improve heart health.

“A plant rich in calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin E and K, spinach is called by the French, the sweeper of the stomach. It is also rich in oxalic acid, which helps calcium absorption, preventing the formation of kidney stones.

The phytochemicals and chlorophyll that spinach contains have an anti-cancer, hormone-regulating role and a composition close to that of human blood. Spinach is therefore an excellent tonic for the whole body, but especially for the blood, liver and gallbladder. It can be consumed in salads or as sautés and in vegetable soups,” concluded Lygia Alexandrescu.

In conclusion, spinach is not only a tasty vegetable, but also a true miracle food, offering a wide range of health benefits. From improving eyesight and regulating blood pressure, to supporting heart health and preventing cancer, spinach is a trusted ally in maintaining a healthy and balanced life. By integrating it into our daily diet, we can fully experience these benefits and enjoy a general state of well-being and vitality.

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