Surprising Health Facts About Spinach

The possible health benefits of consuming spinach include improving blood glucose control in people with diabetes, lowering the risk of cancer, reducing blood pressure, improving bone health, lowering the risk of developing asthma, and more.

Full of nutrients and delicious taste, spinach is a winter superfood. But what’s the best way to eat it? Read the following surprising facts about this leafy green:

Diabetes management

Spinach contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes.

Studies on alpha-lipoic acid have also shown decreases in peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy in diabetics.

However, most studies have used intra-venous alpha-lipoic acid and it is uncertain whether oral supplementation would elicit the same benefits.
Cancer prevention

Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll, which has been shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines, which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature.
Asthma prevention

The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, of which spinach is an excellent source. Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots are also rich sources of beta-carotene.
Lowering blood pressure

Due to its high potassium content, spinach is recommended for people with high blood pressure; it can help reduce the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake may be just as big of a risk factor for developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.

Other high-potassium foods include avocado, banana, beets, potatoes, tomatoes, lima beans, and oranges.

Bone health
Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption, and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium.
Promotes regularity

Spinach is high in fiber and water, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract.
Healthy skin and hair

Spinach is high in vitamin A, which is necessary for sebum production to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Spinach and other leafy greens high in vitamin C are imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.

Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which may be prevented by an adequate intake of iron-rich foods, like spinach.