Spinach is an annual herbaceous vegetable of the family of Hibiscus. The birthplace of spinach is Persia, where it was consumed even before our era. Spinach today is very common not only in the East, but also in Europe and America. This plant has value due to the presence in its composition of a large amount of nutrients and vitamins necessary for the body with a low calorie content.
Useful substances and vitamins contained in spinach:
- vitamin A;
- vitamin C;
- vitamin K;
- vitamin PP;
- vitamin P;
- vitamin D2;
- vitamin E;
- B vitamins;
- iodine;
- iron;
- manganese;
- calcium;
- potassium;
- selenium;
- magnesium;
- copper;
- a nicotinic acid;
- omega-3 fatty acid;
- phosphorus;
- cellulose;
- protein;
- flavonoids;
- lutein.
The beneficial properties of spinach and their uses
Spinach is an unpretentious plant, it is grown in greenhouses and in the open field, it is especially common in the southern part of Russia, in the Caucasus, where the crop is harvested not only in spring, but also in autumn and winter. Gardening enthusiasts can grow it in their garden, and spinach is also sold fresh and frozen in supermarkets.
When buying fresh spinach, you need to be able to choose. Suitable for consumption are dry fresh leaves of bright green color, which, when broken, emit a distinct crunch. Spinach is best consumed fresh in a salad if it is known that no chemicals were used in the cultivation. If the spinach is of unknown origin, it is best to boil it by draining the first water. Spinach is not cooked for a long time, the leaves quickly become soft.
Boiled spinach can be used in salads, made with Greek cheese pies, as is customary in Mediterranean countries, or mixed with sautéed onions and poured over an egg.
Spinach has a neutral flavor, which is why it is a favorite vegetable among chefs in the preparation of various dishes, one of the components of which is this plant. In addition, spinach is considered a dietary product, since 100 g of the plant contains only 22 calories with a large percentage of protein and fat.
The biggest benefit of spinach is that it stops the development of cancer due to its high amount of antioxidants.
Spinach is high in fiber, which contributes to good bowel function. The plant contains a large amount of minerals and protein, it contains a lot of potassium and calcium, which is retained in the body, and this affects the strengthening of bones.
There is a lot of iron in spinach, it is useful to use it in case of exhaustion, anemia, anemia, it is recommended to use it for diseases of the nervous system, gastritis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In addition, the plant has an anti-inflammatory effect, it has a positive effect on recuperation after a serious illness. Thanks to the presence of lutein, spinach has a beneficial effect on vision and prevents eye diseases.
Contraindications to eating spinach
Spinach is contraindicated for people with urolithiasis and gallbladder disease, as it contains a lot of oxalic acid salts. In order to soften the effect of these salts, it is recommended to add cream to dishes with spinach, or to cook it with a little milk or cream. In addition, it is contraindicated for those patients who are taking blood thinners, such as Warfarin.
