One vegetable can help shrink the risk of cancer and even tackle unpleasant digestive issues, according to an expert.
Spinach is packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, but these may provide more benefits for your body than you realise. Taking to TikTok, content creator Meals With Max branded spinach a ‘superfood’ and shares what eating this veggie on a regular basis can do to boost your health.
Max said: “Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, D, E and K and lots of minerals. Spinach has anti-carcinogenic properties and is packed with antioxidants.”
According to Healthline, the antioxidants in spinach can help to combat oxidative stress, which can cause accelerated ageing and increase the risk of cancer and diabetes. One study found that the compounds MGDG and SQDG, which are found in spinach, can slow the growth of of a cervical tumour and even decrease its size.
Research has also suggested that spinach can reduce the risk of both prostate and breast cancer. But the benefits don’t stop there.
Max added that spinach could be especially helpful for those of us who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, and digestive issues.
“It can help to reduce symptoms of IBS and settle uneasy stomachs,” he continued. “It’s not uncommon for your diet to be high in acid – spinach is great at combatting this due to its alkalising properties.”
Spinach is also beneficial for those who suffer from bloating as it contains magnesium and potassium. Magnesium helps to activate enzymes involved in the digestion process and maintain bowel regularity, while potassium helps to combat water retention.
Spinach contains plenty of insoluble fibre, which has a multitude of health benefits. It can help maintain regular bowel movements, preventing constipation.
This incredibly healthy vegetable may also help maintain eye health. Healthline reports: “Spinach is rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, which are the carotenoids responsible for colour in some vegetables. Human eyes also contain high quantities of these pigments, which protect your eyes from the damage caused by sunlight.”
The high concentration of nitrates in spinach can also moderate blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease. “One study in 27 people found that eating spinach effectively lowered blood pressure levels,” Healthline writes. “Several other studies observed similar effects, indicating that spinach boosts heart health.”
It is important to consume spinach as part of a healthy diet in order to make the most of its benefits. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains will provide plenty of vitamins, minerals and fibre. You should also aim to include healthy fats and proteins in your diet.