I want to say hello to my good people here, welcome once again to this publication as I discuss the great benefits of an ancient plant from Persia back in the olden days. Am so proud of this plant because of the great benefits I and my family have been enjoying from it. I believe you will too. Please read on to the end.
DEFINITION
Spinach is a greenish leafy vegetable that thrives and survives in any good soil wherever it is grown. This nutritious leaf contains about 90% of water and that must have contributed to its being able to grow well even during the dry season.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable that originated in Persia.
It is among the amaranth family and is related to beets and quinoa containing high amounts of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients.
PLANTING
Spinach is very easy to plant. There is no hard and fast rule about this as it easily germinates within a space of 4 to 6 days provided it meets the soil. Simply cut a stem of Spinach, dig a little on the ground, and cover it with the soil. It can equally grow alongside a tree if its stem clings to its host plant it keeps growing as it receives nourishment creeping side by side.
The seeds can also be used to plant but it will take some more days before it springs up from the ground. I prefer planting with the stem as it quickly germinates and grows that way.
USES
This vegetable can be used in various ways either cooked, squeezed, or eaten raw directly. When preparing a quick source to eat yam or rice, I usually add Spinach as it offers a delicious meal. You can wash it and gently squeeze out the slimy liquid water and mix it with any of your juice depending on need. Use Spinach as part of your salad and enjoy a nutritious meal.
Spinach juice can lower blood sugar and nourish other vital organs in the body.
5 Evidence-Based Benefits of Spinach Juice
High in antioxidants. Drinking spinach juice is a great way to boost your antioxidant intake. ...
May improve eye health. ...
May decrease cancer cell growth. ...
May reduce blood pressure. ...
May promote healthy hair and skin.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Spinach extremely contains so many health benefits. Many people have experienced improvements in their eye health, blood pressure health, and a reduction in stress as it calms the nerves. Spinach contains antioxidants that mop up free radicals in the system.
Spinach is rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, which are the carotenoids responsible for color in some vegetables.
Additionally, several studies indicate that zeaxanthin and lutein work to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, which are major causes of blindness
The research shows that Spinach contains vitamin E which helps to build the immune system, vitamin K for blood clotting, and magnesium all support the body to fight against bacteria and harmful viruses to keep you healthy. Regular intake of Spinach can form a building block for your system to defend it from harmful toxins.
Other health benefits of consuming spinach are lowering blood sugar helping diabetic patients, strengthening bone health, and also reducing cancer risks.
Vitamins and minerals
Spinach is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including (3):
•Vitamin A. Spinach is high in carotenoids, which your body can turn into vitamin A.
•Vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health and immune function.
•Vitamin K1. This vitamin is essential for blood clotting. Notably, one spinach leaf contains over half of your daily needs.
•Folic acid. Also known as folate or vitamin B9, this compound is vital for pregnant women and essential for normal cellular function and tissue growth.
•Iron. Spinach is an excellent source of this essential mineral. Iron helps create hemoglobin, which brings oxygen to your body’s tissues.
•Calcium. This mineral is essential for bone health and a crucial signaling molecule for your nervous system, heart, and muscles.
PREPARATION
There are various ways to enjoy your spinach depending on where you live. You can grow it yourself and cook it with any of your meals. You can use it to cook Egusi soup (a Nigerian favourite dish) for your swallow like Fufu, Garri, Semovita etc. Some buy the canned spinach already prepared. Eating it raw like salad gives you all the ingredients unadulterated. It is very delicious.
Make it a date with the Spinach vegetable and see your health bouncing more in good health. See you in my next article, thank you for reading to the end.