Food Facts Friday: Superfood Spinach

Spinach is famous for its versatility as a dark leafy green with an impressive nutrient profile. Rich with a multitude of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, spinach is a well-known low-calorie ingredient used in many different types of diets. There’s a reason we see spinach everywhere: The benefits of spinach are countless. It’s also affordable, accessible and easy to add to all types of meals. As a superfood, spinach is loaded with antioxidants, iron, calcium and more that make it essential for improving the body inside and out.

While you may be sick of seeing spinach everywhere or even eating it, there are numerous health benefits that come from this classic leafy green. Get the facts straight about spinach and learn more about this how the benefits of spinach live up to the hype.

Check out why the countless benefits of spinach make this superfood worth repeating over and over again:

1. Spinach is rich with iron and magnesium to increase energy.

Iron deficiencies are common and can result in fatigue, light-headedness and dizziness. One of main benefits of spinach is that it’s a great source of iron and magnesium, both of which improve the way our bodies use and produce energy. Spinach is a top source of magnesium, which is essential to aiding many functions within our bodies, including energy production and blood pressure regulation. Improve the way your body performs by enjoying spinach for its dense iron and magnesium content.

2. Spinach is full of vitamins and antioxidants to enhance skin and hair.

Want to look younger with luscious hair and glowing skin? Spinach is a smart food to eat to improve the health of your skin and hair—both inside and out! According to Medical News Today, spinach contains a high amount of vitamin A that works to control oil production to fight acne and keep your complexion clear. Vitamin A also promotes a healthy immune system which contributes to healthier skin. Spinach is an amazing source of iron and folate along with vitamins C and A—all of which can give you a thick, shiny mane of hair.

3. Low calorie spinach supports weight loss.

Spinach is a very low-calorie food, with about seven calories per one raw cup serving, making it great to eat for weight management and weight loss. The dense fiber and water content in spinach promotes digestion and fullness to keep your body regular. So fill up on a spinach salad and or enjoy a nutritious spinach smoothie to avoid any snacking urges.

4. Eating spinach lowers blood pressure and improves heart health.

Leafy green vegetables such as spinach have been known for their positive effects on heart health and preventing heart disease. Spinach contains both high amounts of potassium and nitrates that work to lower and moderate your blood pressure. According to Healthline, vitamin K found in spinach can improve blood clotting and protects the heart’s arteries. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease in adults, so eating spinach is great if you’re trying to increase your cardiovascular health and live an overall healthier lifestyle.

5. Antioxidants in spinach improve eye health.

Maintain healthy vision and prevent eye disease when you enjoy more leafy greens like spinach in your diet. According to Healthline, spinach and many other colorful veggies contain high amounts of carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein, which can greatly help maintain your eyes throughout your lifetime. These antioxidant properties can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, as well as prevent vision loss through cataracts or macular degeneration.

6. Spinach goes well with a variety of meals.

Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked, and its mild flavor means it pairs nicely with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Add spinach to any sweet or savory meal to increase iron and antioxidant content for a myriad of health benefits for the body. Spinach can go great in protein smoothies, salads, soups, dips, wraps, omelets and so much more.