There are many articles floating around telling you what to eat and what not to eat. I strongly believe there is not one perfect diet that everyone should follow, because we are all different, so our diets should not always look the same. Each person needs different nutrients to strive and feel their best, we must find what works for us as individuals. My personal approach to food is striving to eat as clean and natural as possible, choosing superfoods that I enjoy and adding them to my daily food intake.

Why spinach?

Spinach is in fact a superfood. It is low-calorie and packed with nutrients. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, this green leafy vegetable includes a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals such as: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.

Health Benefits of spinach

Spinach has been linked to several health benefits, including – but not limited to – improving eye health, aid in cancer prevention, healthy hair and skin, infant growth.

Eye health

Spinach is rich in lutein, xanthene, and beta-carotene which are all beneficial for eyesight. These greens also contain anti-inflammatory properties such as vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants which can reduce the irritation and puffiness in and around the eyes.

Cancer prevention

Spinach contains high amounts of antioxidants and various important constituents that have been found to be beneficial in prevention of specific types of cancer. Constituents including folate, chlorophyllin, and tocopherol help prevent types of cancer including prostate, liver, lung, bladder, and breast.

Healthy hair and skin

Spinach is rich in iron which can help aid in hair loss. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, increasing your intake of iron through iron rich foods can help reduce hair loss.

Spinach is also rich in Vitamin C which is critical in maintaining and building collagen. Collagen is essential for keeping your hair and skin young, healthy, vibrant and glowing.

There is a large amount of vitamin A in spinach, which helps to improve problematic skin conditions such as acne by maintaining the oil production that causes such skin issues. Vitamin A is also important for the growth of all bodily tissues, these tissues include your hair and skin.

Infant growth

Spinach contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are necessary for infants in their essential growth stages. Spinach and other superfoods are an excellent choice to add to your diet during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and to introduce in the form of baby food.

Risk

If you are prone to kidney stones, you might be advised to limit spinach intake.

If you take a blood thinner, you might be advised to avoid spinach altogether.

Source

USDA National Nutrient Database