Spinach: the benefits and harm of a herbaceous plant. Beneficial properties of spinach for the body - use in cooking, folk medicine and cosmetology. Is it possible to eat overgrown spinach?

Alexander Gushchin

I can’t vouch for the taste, but it will be hot :)

Content

It is beneficial for the body of a woman, man and children if there is spinach in the diet - the benefits and harms, the properties of which are discussed in the article below. An annual plant native to Persia grows in temperate climates in the Caucasus, Central Asia and southern Europe. The vegetable has a storehouse of vitamins and minerals and has many beneficial properties - which makes it indispensable in every person’s daily menu.

What is spinach

The green leafy vegetable spinach reaches a height of 25-55 cm. The leaves contain many useful substances that are useful in cooking, medicine, cosmetology and perfumery. What are the benefits of spinach? Prevents the development of hypertension, strengthens blood vessels, has a diuretic effect, relieves inflammation and swelling. The vegetable restores the functioning of the thyroid gland, the central nervous system, and cleanses the body of harmful toxins. Plus, the benefits include replenishing the lack of minerals and vitamins in the body and normalizing digestion.

Properties

Spinach - its benefits and harms lie in the following factors:

neutralization of free radicals that accelerate the aging of the body, leading to the development of diseases of the nervous system;
content of vitamins A, C, polyphenolic antioxidants, lutein, carotene;
protection against age-related retinal degeneration due to the carotenoid zeaxanthin;
maintaining visual acuity, healthy skin, mucous membranes, preventing lung and oral cancer due to vitamin A, flavonoids;
strengthening bones, stimulating the action of osteotropes, stabilizing brain neurons due to the increased content of vitamin K;
fresh greens are useful for pregnant women, helping to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects during pregnancy;
potassium helps control blood pressure and heart rate;
Omega-3 improves metabolism;
prevention of cancerous tumors of the colon and prostate;
the value lies in stimulating the production of red blood cells due to the beneficial trace element copper;
The harm with regular use is the formation of kidney stones.

What vitamins are in spinach

The beneficial properties of spinach have been known since ancient times, when it was called the king of vegetables. Vitamin and mineral composition of the plant:

Spinach calories

The vegetable is low-calorie, so it is recommended to use it as part of a diet. The calorie content of raw leaves is about 22 kilocalories per 100 g, fried - 50 kcal per 100 g. The dietary properties of fresh spinach greens include a mild laxative, diuretic effect, plus anti-inflammatory, tonic effects.

The benefits of spinach

Due to its vitamin, mineral and dietary composition, the following benefits of spinach for the body are known:

saturation, supply of nutrients, removal of toxins;
rich in iron, helps hemoglobin increase activity, improves blood supply to cells with oxygen;
improves metabolism, promotes energy production;
enhances the health of gums and teeth, prevents anemia and tumors;
strengthens blood vessels, stimulates the pancreas, cleanses the intestines;
useful for anemia, hypertension, diabetes, gastritis, enterocolitis - spinach has a mild diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, tonic effect.

For women

Of the plant varieties, the “strawberry type” is considered the most valuable; the benefits of spinach for women are obvious:

zinc, selenium – normalize the condition of the skin and hair;
stimulates the functions of the heart, nourishes the walls of the arteries, protects against damage;
protects the uterus and genitals from malignant tumors;
prevents constipation;
treats anemia, rickets, scurvy, tuberculosis, useful for diabetes;
increases the body's resistance to infections, helps with fatigue, and the absorption of medications;
helps to lose weight.

For men

The beneficial effects of spinach on the male body:

lutein prevents the risk of atherosclerotic plaques, protects against strokes and heart attacks;
stabilizes blood pressure, reduces the harmful effects of salt on the body;
high protein content helps build muscles;
strengthens the immune system due to iodine content;
Omega-3 and folic acid salts have a positive effect on potency;
zinc enhances the production of testosterone and sperm, increases libido, improves erection, reduces the risk of prostatitis;
Vitamin E regulates hormones, improves the functioning of the prostate gland, eliminating the risk of infertility.

For children

Starting from six months, you can give spinach juice to children. The unique composition of the plant is indispensable in feeding babies and has the following effects:

relieves constipation, anemia, replenishes calcium deficiency;
has a positive effect on growth and development of the genital organs in older age;
helps with rickets, anemia;
possible harm is the effect of oxalic acid on the kidneys, but it is neutralized by ordinary milk.

How to use spinach in food

The vegetable crop is suitable for long-term storage. It’s good to eat it fresh, sprinkling with lemon juice and sprinkling with salt, but canning methods are also useful:

Salads are prepared from frozen spinach;
freezing with ice cubes - the leaves are cut, frozen, and used out of season for making soups;
puree with butter - crushed in a blender, seasoned with butter, frozen - used to improve the taste of pastas and risotto;
dried, salted leaves, spinach juice.

Adding spinach is contraindicated (may be harmful to health) if:

kidney diseases;
Bladder;
pathologies of the liver, gall bladder;
ulcers;
rheumatism;
gout;
chronic hypertension;
taking anticoagulants.

Can you eat spinach raw?

Raw spinach is especially popular in cooking; its benefits and harms include the following factors:

oxalic acid increases the formation of oxalate stones in the urinary tract;
raw leaves, if consumed regularly, can lead to thyroxine deficiency and thyroid dysfunction;
dietary fiber is good for digestion;
Cooking spinach dishes is simple, but they cannot be reheated due to the formation of nitrites and nitrosamines, which are harmful.

Traditional medicine recipes with spinach

The useful plant is used in folk medicine. Several popular recipes for the treatment of kidney and liver diseases:

For anemia, sore throat, constipation, and pneumonia, an infusion of a tablespoon of crushed leaves in a glass of water will help. Let it brew for an hour, strain, and drink 50 ml before meals.
Fresh leaves boiled in almond oil and mixed with butter can help prevent cramps.
For hemorrhoids, you can drink small doses of mixed spinach juice with 100 ml of almond oil.
For oncology and tuberculosis, you need to take 10 g of leaves, pour a glass of water, strain after two hours. Take a quarter glass three times a day.

Cosmetics with spinach

The plant is used in cosmetology and perfumery. Example ways to use valuable leaves:

Wipe oily skin with spinach juice mixed with alcohol or calendula tincture once a day;
rejuvenating mask: boil 50 g with milk to a paste, put on gauze, leave on the face and décolleté for 15 minutes;
nourishing mask: mash 100 g, pour half a glass of boiling water, cook until soft, put on face, hold for 15-20 minutes.

Video

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Raw spinach contains a lot of useful microelements and vitamins that are necessary for the human body. The modern plant has up to two dozen varieties, and these varieties do not decrease at all with the breeding of hybrids. Let's take a closer look at all the advantages and disadvantages of using this green product.

Positive traits

Spinach, the benefits and harms of which have been known for a long time, actively grows in our region. Quite often it can be found in summer cottages or vegetable gardens. Spinach is planted to be added to salads or stewed with meat. This green product contains various mineral salts, trace elements and vitamins. Here are some of them:

vitamins PP, C, A, group B;
(an excellent remedy for the prevention of rickets);
protein (the content of this substance in spinach is so high that it can only be compared with;
a huge amount of iodine, which the body simply needs to prevent aging and more.

Another excellent quality of spinach is the preservation of all elements during culinary processing, which is very important for those who do not consume fresh greens.

Plant abilities

Spinach, the benefits and harms of which have long been familiar to humans, has the following properties:

increases hemoglobin in the blood due to the high content of iron salts in the product;
protects the body from various infections;
replenishes reserves of most vitamins, which is very important in spring;
helps in the prevention of hypertension, strengthens blood vessels;
prevents retinal detachment and preserves vision;
normalizes the functioning of the pancreas and has a mild laxative effect, cleansing the intestines;
slows down cell aging;
Spinach is often recommended for children diagnosed with rickets;
Another excellent property of this green plant is its calming and relaxing effect, which helps relieve irritability and normalize sleep.

Negative qualities: spinach

The benefits and harms of this product are not equal. It is safe to say that in fact the plant has no negative consequences for the body. However, it should be remembered that eating old leaves can lead to negative reactions. This is because they accumulate over time, which can affect organs such as the kidneys and liver. Thermal treatment of spinach with the addition of cream or milk to the dish helps to minimize the influence of this component. If the prepared product is stored for several days, nitrogenous salts begin to accumulate in it, which also negatively affect the body. Try to cook spinach one at a time. There is one more disadvantage, however for some it is an advantage. Greens weaken, but at the same time cleanse the intestines, so spinach is eaten in large quantities only by those who have decided to lose excess weight.

with egg

Sort the greens thoroughly and wash. Place it in a saucepan and pour in a little hot water (no more than a glass). Boil over low heat for 10 minutes, then rub through a sieve along with the released liquid. Prepare the sauce by frying a spoonful of flour with butter and then boiling it with a glass of milk and salt. Add sugar and a little nutmeg. The dish is served as follows: croutons or toast are placed along the edges of the plate, a green mixture is laid out in the middle, and a boiled egg is decorated on top. All is ready.

Conclusion

In this article we looked at a plant such as spinach. The benefits and harms of this product are very relative, because if for one person the laxative effect is harmful, then for another it can be extremely useful.

Spinach

Good afternoon, my dear readers! Spinach is a fairly popular French vegetable. It is grown almost everywhere.

In small beds, balconies and even in pots. In our country, unfortunately, this vegetable has not taken root. Persia is rightfully considered the birthplace of spinach.

Spinach: calories

Spinach leaves have very low calorie content, only 23 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Spinach: chemical composition

Spinach contains quite a lot of useful substances and vitamins that are so necessary for our body: vitamins A, C, E, K, B vitamins, manganese, iron, selenium, copper, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc and phosphorus, etc.

How much spinach can you eat per day?

The optimal daily intake of spinach for an adult, according to nutritionists, is up to 100 grams. in a day.

On a note! Spinach takes about three hours to digest in the stomach.

Spinach: benefits

1. This green vegetable contains an impressive amount of useful elements. It replenishes necessary substances in the body and removes waste and toxins.

2. With the help of spinach, the cells of the body receive oxygen, therefore, their blood levels are normalized.

3. Teeth and gums become much healthier thanks to the green leaves of this healthy vegetable.

6. Thanks to dietary fiber, the green vegetable cleanses the body of excess fluid and harmful waste products.

7. The low amount of calories of this vegetable helps to remove excess pounds.

8. Acts as an antioxidant and copes with free radicals, neutralizing them.

Spinach for women

Spinach has such a rich chemical composition that its benefits for a woman’s body are simply obvious.

1. All the vitamins and nutrients contained in spinach will help a woman smooth out the symptoms of postmenopause. It prevents bone fragility, improves a woman’s general condition and reduces anxiety during this difficult period.

2. Spinach is good for the skin. Spinach-based masks tighten the skin, making it younger and smoother. Spinach also strengthens nails and...

3. If you want to lose weight, be sure to include spinach in your diet. It improves digestion, eliminates inflammation, and speeds up metabolism. Try a spinach based diet!

Spinach for pregnant women

Eating spinach leaves will bring great benefits to the body of a pregnant woman.

1. Spinach will prevent calcium from being washed out of the body and maintain high hemoglobin levels.

2. The composition of spinach includes, which is very necessary for the woman’s body and for the development of the fetus.

3. The iodine found in spinach contributes to the formation of a stable nervous system in the unborn baby.

4. Spinach has a mild laxative effect, which helps a pregnant woman fight constipation.

What are the benefits of spinach for men?

This vegetable is simply necessary for men's health; it stimulates the production of hormones and improves potency.

People pay too little attention to this vegetable, but its beneficial qualities are varied. This product is universal; it is added to salads, boiled dishes and consumed fresh. It is easily absorbed by our body and improves the proper functioning of all organs.

Spinach for weight loss

Nutritionists recommend that people who are losing weight include spinach leaves in their diet. They help in the fight against excess weight thanks to the vegetable protein contained in spinach, which is easily accepted by our body and is easily digested.

Spinach contains selenium, which is important for proper and rapid metabolism. With regular consumption of its leaves, it is possible to get rid of cellulite.

Spinach: contraindications

Like any plant, spinach has contraindications:

1. People suffering from problems with water-salt metabolism, diseases of bile, kidneys, and pancreas should not eat spinach.

2. Gout and kidney disease are also contraindications for use.

Spinach for weight loss

By regularly eating spinach, excess fats are lost and the body is cleansed of bad substances. To see the beneficial properties of the vegetable, add it to various dishes.

Three-day spinach diet

1st day:

Breakfast: low-calorie cottage cheese (bake everything in the oven);

Almost everyone knows about the beneficial properties and taste of spinach. This plant is used to prepare various dishes and culinary delights. However, not everyone knows that spinach is widely used in alternative medicine. Based on this product, many natural remedies are made for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

How beneficial spinach is for human health, and what ways there are to use it for medicinal and culinary purposes, we will consider further.

Chemical composition and calorie content

The beneficial properties of spinach are due to its rich natural composition. This product is distinguished by its high content of vitamins and microelements, which makes its use beneficial for the human body.

The chemical composition of spinach includes:

choline;
riboflavins;;
lutein, glycine, phenylanine, leucine;
proteins;
starch;
alimentary fiber;
glutamic, ascorbic, folic, nicotinic, oxalic and aspartic acids.

Vitamin composition:

C - 55 mg (61% of the daily value);
K - 482.9 mcg (40.2%);
A - 750 mg (83.3%);
E - 2.5 mg (16.7%);
B9 - 80 mcg (20%);
Beta-carotene - 4.5 mg (90%).

B vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine.

Mineral composition of spinach (in mg):

Potassium - 774 (31%);
Calcium - 106 (10.6%);
Phosphorus - 83 (10.4%);
Magnesium - 82 (20.5%);
Sodium - 24;
Iron - 13.51 (75.1%);
Copper - 13 mcg;
Selenium - 1 mcg;
Zinc - 0.53;
Manganese - 0.897 (44.9%).

Calorie content spinach is very low, only 22 calories per 100 grams of product. This makes its use especially effective and useful during weight loss.

The nutritional value of spinach is: 2.9 g protein, 0.4 g fat and 3.6 g carbohydrates.

Health Benefits of Spinach

The rich vitamin composition of spinach has made it an indispensable source of nutrients. Eating this plant heals the body and enriches it with nutritional components.

This plant has:

anti-inflammatory;
diuretics;
antioxidant;
general strengthening;
tonic;
immunostimulating;
antioxidant;
vascular strengthening properties.

The plant improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and normalizes metabolic processes. Spinach is beneficial for its cleansing effect. It removes harmful substances from the body (toxins, waste, salts, metals), improves digestion, and eliminates constipation problems.

The leaves of the plant contain useful substances that help normalize hemoglobin. Due to its high iron content, spinach helps saturate the body's cells with oxygen.

The plant has an antitumor effect, which makes its use especially useful for cancer. The phytonutrients contained in the plant inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Spinach juice has a tonic effect. It energizes, relieves fatigue and gives strength.

The benefit of the plant lies in its ability to lower sugar, which makes it indispensable in the diet of people suffering from diabetes.

Spinach contains vitamin K, which increases blood clotting and strengthens bone tissue. Eating spinach improves bone health and reduces the risk of developing osteoclasts (cells that cause loose bone tissue).

Spinach is especially useful for people suffering from diseases of the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. It is recommended to consume the leaves of the plant daily for anemia and hemorrhoids.

Spinach leaves have a disinfectant and disinfectant effect. They are recommended for external use in the presence of wounds, cuts and even furunculosis.

Spinach is useful for hormonal imbalances, thyroid diseases, vitamin deficiency and metabolic disorders.

Spinach is useful for the male reproductive system. The plant improves reproductive function and increases potency. With regular use, testosterone increases and prostate function improves. The plant prevents the occurrence of sexual dysfunction and improves men's health.

Benefits for women

The rich natural composition and huge number of medicinal properties of spinach make its consumption especially beneficial for the woman’s body.

Particularly useful spinach during pregnancy. The plant enriches the body of the expectant mother and child with all the necessary vitamins and microelements. Folic acid, which is part of the plant, strengthens the structure of the fetus and also improves the process of hematopoiesis.

When breastfeeding the product is also beneficial as it supplies the body with nutrients. However, a child’s body may react to spinach with an allergic reaction, so it is better to consult with your doctor before consuming it.

Due to its low calorie content and beneficial substances, spinach is recommended for consumption. during the period of weight loss. Among the beneficial properties of the plant, its ability to speed up metabolism and remove toxic substances and salts that interfere with weight loss is highlighted.

Also, the benefit of spinach for a woman’s body lies in its rejuvenating effect. The plant is used to prepare various nourishing masks that tighten the skin and eliminate fine wrinkles. Let's talk about what homemade cosmetics for facial skin care exist next.

Application

The beneficial properties and taste of spinach are widely used in the industrial industry. The plant is actively used in cooking for preparing various dishes. It is used to make salads, add to side dishes, soups, etc.

Dietetics uses this product during the period of weight loss, since the product has a low calorie content and a large supply of nutrients, which the body especially needs during the diet period.

For cosmetic purposes Spinach is used to prepare various nourishing skin care masks. Natural remedies for healing and rejuvenating the skin are prepared at home.

Pharmaceuticals uses spinach extract in the production of dietary supplements and natural preparations for women's and men's health.

Alternative medicine uses spinach leaves as a medicine. On their basis, folk remedies are prepared to eliminate various diseases. The plant is also used for preventive purposes. Methods of treatment and recipes based on it will be discussed later in the article.

Folk remedies with spinach

Alternative medicine offers many recipes using spinach. This product is used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments. Its medicinal properties are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, etc.

To cure hemorrhoids We scroll a bunch of the plant through a meat grinder and squeeze out the juice. Mix the plant juice and almond oil in equal proportions. Take the resulting product one spoon twice a day. The course is two to three weeks.

Folk remedy for eczema, burns and abscesses: Boil the leaves of the plant in olive oil until cooked. Apply the resulting mixture to damaged areas of the skin 2-3 times a day.

To normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract It is recommended to eat fortified salad. To prepare it, take 100 g of plant leaves, chop and mix with sour cream and one egg. We eat the salad within two days.

For convulsions Boil the leaves of the plant in a water bath. Next, chop and mix with 2 tbsp. l. olive oils. The resulting product takes 1 tbsp. l. twice a day. The course is one month.

Treatment of anemia and headache based on a juice mixture. For it we mix juice from:

spinach leaves,
carrots,
beets.

The ingredients are taken in equal proportions. Drink half a glass of juice four times a day for three days.

To improve metabolism grind the leaves of the plant, mix them with 2 cloves of garlic and 0.5 tsp. horseradish and 100 g grated apples. We put the resulting product in the refrigerator and use 10-15 grams every morning, on an empty stomach.

Cosmetology

The beneficial properties of the plant are also used in home cosmetology. Skin care products are made from spinach. In this case, the benefit of the plant for a woman is to improve the condition of the epidermis. The juice of the plant stimulates the production of collagen, improves skin tone and enriches it with vitamins and minerals.

The rejuvenating mask is prepared according to the recipe:

Place 50-100 grams of the plant in an enamel container.
Add milk and cook.
When the mass takes on the consistency of mush, spread it on a layer of gauze.
Take a lying position and apply gauze to your face.
Keep the mask on for 20 minutes, rinse off and apply nourishing cream.

Nourishing mask. Wash 100 g of plant leaves and pour half a glass of boiling water. When the plant becomes soft, place it on a saucer, cool and add 1 tsp. carrot juice, 1 spoon of honey and a few drops of any essential oil. Mix and apply to face, neck and décolleté for 20 minutes. Then rinse off with cool green tea and apply cream.

Whitening mask. Grind the spinach leaves thoroughly. Pour a spoonful of olive oil and a little lemon juice, mix and apply to the face for 20 minutes. Then wash off with cool water.

Cooking recipes

Cooking is replete with various recipes for spinach-based dishes. This plant is used in the preparation of salads, soups, side dishes, baked goods, etc. Most often, salads are prepared with spinach.

The most popular salad recipe contains the following ingredients:

spinach - 1 bunch;
bacon - 100 g;
champignons - 100 g;
sesame - 1 tbsp. l;
sea salt;
ground black pepper;
olive oil.

Dry the sesame seeds in a frying pan and put them aside. Take one bunch of spinach, wash, dry and chop. Cut the bacon into thin slices and fry until crispy. Place on a plate. We cut the champignons into two parts (or into 4, depending on their size). Fry in a frying pan in the remaining bacon fat. Place the spinach on a plate and sprinkle it with mushrooms, sesame seeds and bacon. Salt, pepper and sprinkle olive oil. The dish is ready to eat!

A tasty and healthy soup can be prepared using spinach. For the recipe you will need the following components:

spinach 500 g;
beef meat - 0.5 kg;
potatoes - 0.5 kg;
salt;
spices;
lemon juice - 1 tsp;
sour cream - 1 tbsp. l.

Grind half a kilo of spinach in a blender until pureed. Cook broth from lean beef. Add spices and salt. As soon as it is ready, take it out. Cut 0.5 kg of potatoes into the remaining broth. We bring the potatoes to a state of readiness, then mash them (directly in the broth). Add spinach leaves to the resulting mass and wait for the mixture to boil. Then cook for another two minutes.

Prepare the dressing: take 1 tbsp. l. sour cream and mix it with lemon juice and ground pepper. Pour the finished soup into a plate and serve along with the dressing.

A hearty and healthy spinach pie is made from the following ingredients:

spinach - 0.5 kg;
feta cheese - 400 g;
yeast dough;
eggs - 2 pieces;
butter - 10 g;
salt, spices to taste.

Take 0.5 kg of spinach and grind it in a blender. Grate 400 g of Bulgarian (or any other not very salty) cheese and mix with two raw eggs. Roll out a layer of dough (yeast) and place it in a baking dish, previously greased with butter. We spread the filling and then cover it on the sides with a layer of dough. Bake for about 30 minutes at 180 degrees.

Healthy spinach smoothie

A quick and healthy spinach drink will help remove all waste and toxins from the body. It will require:

spinach - 2 bunches;
kiwi - 1 pc.;
banana - 1 pc.;

Wash the spinach well and dry it. Grind all three ingredients in a blender. The drink is ready to drink! This delicious cocktail is especially useful for losing weight. It speeds up metabolism, saturates and energizes.

How to select and store spinach?

The choice of spinach must be treated with special care. The plant must be young. The leaves are dense, without any spots or inclusions. When bent, the leaf usually makes a certain crunch, which indicates its freshness.

Dark, large leaves indicate the ripeness of the spinach. It is better to eat a young plant of light green color.

It is recommended to store the plant in the refrigerator, but no more than two days. After this time, spinach begins to lose its unique beneficial properties. Freshly picked spinach is best stored in a special container or glass of water.

Frozen spinach is especially beneficial. When frozen, the plant does not lose its properties. This allows you to use it at any time of the year. However, spinach should be stored in this form for no more than three months.

Contraindications

Despite its beneficial properties, spinach has a number of contraindications. If used incorrectly, the plant can cause a number of side effects.

Contraindications for eating spinach:

increased stomach acidity;
allergy to ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
increased blood clotting;
urolithiasis disease;
taking medications that thin the blood (when taken, a reverse reaction occurs);
gout;
stomach ulcer;
rheumatism;
antibiotic treatment;
Not recommended for use during breastfeeding;
individual intolerance;

Eating spinach that is not fresh can cause harm to the body in the form of various adverse reactions. Frequent consumption of the product is also undesirable. The plant contains a lot of natural acid, which can cause allergies or digestive problems.

It is important to consume fresh product and wash it thoroughly before eating. If the plant has been in the refrigerator for more than three days, it is better to throw it away or heat it. Only fresh shoots of the plant should be consumed raw.

Spinach is a green that anyone who wants to be healthy and slim needs to know about. The dark green leaves of spinach do not have the characteristic taste and smell of other vegetables. However, spinach has long taken a leading place in the national cuisines of many countries.

Doctors and nutritionists strongly recommend using spinach in your diet. The benefits of green vitamin food have been proven. But can everyone eat spinach without restrictions without harming their health? We will talk about spinach, the benefits and harms of consuming it for some categories of people in this article.

How did spinach appear in world cuisines?

Persia is considered the birthplace of spinach. Ancient healers noticed the healing effect of the plant for many diseases. Adding spinach when preparing dishes increased the satiety of food, making food easier to digest and assimilate. The first mention of spinach appeared in the 6th century. In the Middle Ages, there was a successful trade in green plants along with spices. Gradually, new types of spinach appeared and spread throughout the world.

This vegetable plant is most popular in France. “Royal” - they call it in the country where King Louis XIV, a lover of “good food,” ruled. Until now, the French cannot imagine their cuisine without spinach. It is used to prepare soups, salads, snack dishes, bake pies, and prepare omelettes. Cheese sauces with the addition of spinach have won the love of gourmets of different nationalities.

In America, spinach was placed on a pedestal of honor as a vitamin and healthy product. The amazing nutritional benefits of spinach are touted on television. Do you remember the cartoon character Popeye the sailor, who ate a lot of spinach from cans, demonstrating his “iron” fists and muscles?

Spinach came to our country relatively recently, but has already gained great popularity among adherents of a healthy diet. Now there are no problems finding this vegetable plant in supermarkets in fresh or frozen form; many people grow it on their plots of land.

Compound

Spinach is a green storehouse of vitamins. The content of vitamins in the green vegetable is diverse: A, C, the entire group B, K, E. Spinach is also rich in minerals: Ca, Mg, K, Fe. The high content of folic acid promotes hematopoiesis and strengthens the immune system.

In terms of the amount of protein, spinach is second only to green peas, and in terms of beta carotene content it ranks after carrots. The green vegetable plant contains phytonutrients, which are safe natural medicines.

Historical myth about “iron” spinach
In the 30s of the last century, scientists made a mistake by incorrectly calculating the amount of iron contained in spinach. The whole world has learned that 100 g of spinach contains 35 mg of iron. In terms of the amount of this necessary element, spinach came out on top among plant products. In fact, the calculations were carried out based on dry spinach. Fresh spinach contains a large percentage of water and the amount of iron per 100 g of green fresh spinach is ten times less - 3.5 mg. The error was discovered over time. The British Medical Journal officially published a refutation of the iron content of spinach in 1981.

Benefit

Spinach has been thoroughly studied in the medical world quite recently - just a few decades ago. Scientists have concluded: eating spinach is a guarantee of health. The benefit of spinach for the body lies in its significant content of vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting and the retention of calcium in the bones.

A unique property of green vegetables has been revealed - preventing the development of cancer. Glycerolipids contained in spinach are plant phytonutrients - natural natural medicines. They block the vessels of tumor cells and prevent their further growth.

The benefits of spinach for men have been proven in the medical world. Spinach has a beneficial effect on the prostate gland and reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

Spinach not only nourishes the body, but also removes toxins. Doctors often prescribe it in therapeutic diets. Spinach has a mild diuretic and laxative effect, normalizes the activity of the stomach and intestines, and relieves inflammatory processes in the body.

The benefits of spinach for women and children are obvious. It is recommended that pregnant women consume dishes containing spinach, as the content of vitamins and minerals in the herb is very high. The content of folic acid has a beneficial effect on the processes of hematopoiesis of the expectant mother and fetus. Folates strengthen the walls of blood vessels, normalize blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes.

The presence of iron and folic acid in spinach helps increase hemoglobin levels. This is important for women who lose a lot of blood during their menstrual days.

Contraindications

Spinach contains a large amount of oxalates, so people suffering from salt deposits and kidney stones should not consume this green vegetable herb. The largest amount of oxalic acid salts is found in old spinach leaves. Therefore, young plants are suitable for food. To reduce the amount of oxalates in the leaves, spinach is stewed in milk or cream.

People with a history of diseases such as gout, rheumatic diseases, nephritis, liver and intestinal tract diseases should consume spinach with caution.

For weight loss

Spinach is considered a zero-calorie food. 100 g of spinach contains only 22 kcal, which makes it attractive for use in various diets. The French call spinach a “broom” for the intestines. Green vegetable grass is easily absorbed by the body, and helps break down other foods, speeding up metabolism.

Spinach is considered an indispensable product for people losing weight. You can safely add spinach to various dishes and not be afraid to gain extra pounds. Even a special spinach-based diet for weight loss has been developed.

Application

It is most beneficial to eat spinach fresh, but boiled and stewed vegetables are also suitable for consumption, since the loss of nutrients is not great. Fresh, juicy green leaves of the plant are used to prepare various dishes. Unfortunately, spinach has a short shelf life.

The most acceptable way to store a fresh plant is considered to be the refrigerator, where unwashed spinach is placed in a container of water in the form of a bouquet. Spinach can be stored this way for 2 days. When frozen, spinach does not lose its beneficial qualities and can be stored in the freezer for a long time.

It is best to use young spinach leaves by adding them to various salads. Green borscht is prepared from sorrel and spinach. Spinach omelettes are tasty and healthy. Sandwiches decorated with green vitamin leaves are beautiful and healthy.

There are benefits and contraindications for eating spinach. By using spinach for food, you will diversify your menu and enrich your diet with a healthy and tasty product, if there are no direct health restrictions.