spinach
Spinach is a great way to add variety in a healthy plant-based diet (see also here, here). Spinach appears to be protective against the risk of breast cancer, brain tumors, kidney cancer, lung cancer, pediatric brain tumors, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
Spinach is a great source of folate, which may be preferable to folic acid supplements (though the latter should still be taken in early pregnancy). A single spoonful of spinach has as much lutein and zeaxanthin as 9 eggs. A third cup of spinach a day’s worth is recommended for optimal eye protection. Spinach is still a good source of antioxidants. It also provides nitrates, which can in certain circumstances improve arterial function and athletic performance.
Topic summary contributed by Denise.
To help out on the site, email volunteer@nutritionfacts.org
Watch videos about spinach
-
Vegetables Versus Breast CancerMushrooms may help prevent breast cancer by acting as an aromatase inhibitor to block breast tumor estrogen production.
-
Egg Industry Blind SpotTo help deflect criticism from the cholesterol content of their product, the egg industry touts the benefits of two phytonutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, that have indeed been shown to be..
-
Can Folic Acid Be Harmful?New research on the human metabolism of folic acid suggests natural sources of folate are preferable
-
Best Cooking MethodWhich are the gentlest cooking methods for preserving nutrients and which vegetables have more antioxidants cooked than raw.
-
#1 Anticancer VegetableThere are two superfood classes of vegetables most adept at blocking human cancer cell growth in a petri dish.
-
Raw Food Diet MythsSome nutrients are destroyed by cooking but some nutrients become more absorbable.
-
Plant-Based PreventionPhytonutrients may in part account for the benefits of whole plant foods in cancer prevention.
