Spinach: health benefits and harms, useful properties. Spinach: the benefits and harms of a herbaceous plant

Having a neutral taste, spinach goes well with a large number of foods, saturating the body with valuable trace elements and vitamins. Scientists have proven that regular consumption of this leafy vegetable helps to strengthen the immune system, regulates metabolism, and improves blood count.

Spinach Composition

Useful properties of spinach are due to its constituent organic matter. The leaves of the vegetable are rich in:

beta-carotene;
vitamins of group B (riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine), C, PP, H, K, E;
fiber;
glycine;
starch;
leucine;
lutein;
protein;
phenylalanine;
choline.

The leafy vegetable also has a rich mineral composition: calcium, iron, selenium, copper, manganese. The nutritional value fresh spinach low - about 23 kcal. The ratio of nutrients in 100 grams of the product is as follows:

Substance	Percentage, per 100 g


carbohydrates

alimentary fiber

organic acids

unsaturated acids
rich fatty acid
mono- and disaccharides

Benefits of spinach for the body

It is known that a leafy vegetable has a lot of healing properties - it:

strengthens the immune system;
has anti-inflammatory, diuretic properties;
lowers blood sugar levels;
reduces arterial pressure;
fights constipation;
helps to avoid anemia;
strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
due to its antioxidant properties prevents premature aging skin;
maintains a balanced work of the pancreas and salivary glands;
has a calming effect on the nervous system;
reduces the risk of retinal detachment, the development of osteoporosis.

For men

The beneficial properties of a leafy vegetable were fully appreciated by athletes.

Due to the high content of amino acids, spinach promotes muscle growth, enhances protein synthesis in the body

The benefits of the plant do not end there:

Omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on potency, increase libido, blood flow to the male genital organ.
Zinc normalizes the production of testosterone, affects the quality of sperm.
Vitamin E in spinach is involved in the regulation of the prostate gland, rejuvenates the male body.
Lutein - prevents the risk of formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels, reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

For women

The benefits of spinach for women are just as great as for men:

Spinach will help to lose extra pounds, normalize metabolism and improve digestion.
Regular use of a leafy vegetable improves skin condition, prevents the appearance of wrinkles, strengthens nails and hair.
A high content of folic acid helps to cope with the threat of miscarriage, contributes to the proper development of the fetus.
During pregnancy, salads with spinach reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, help to compensate for the lack of calcium.
The vegetable is also useful during breastfeeding. It restores hormonal levels, helps to cope with postpartum depression.

For kids

It is useful to give spinach to children older than six months in the form of vegetables or meat purees. leaf vegetable:

relieves babies from constipation;
help to compensate for the deficiency of iron and calcium;
strengthens bone tissue;
increases the level of hemoglobin and improves cellular respiration;
improves visual acuity;
improves the functioning of the digestive tract;
helps prevent infectious diseases.

How to eat spinach

fresh leaves spinach is widely used in cooking. From it prepare: green soups, fresh salads, scrambled eggs, used for stuffing meat and pies. Useful properties of the plant have found application in such areas of activity as:

The medicine. Medicinal decoctions, infusions, compresses are prepared from spinach.
Dietology. Due to the low calorie content and a large number dietary fiber, the plant satisfies hunger, normalizes metabolism, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Cosmetology. The leafy vegetable improves skin condition and is used to make masks.

For treatment

Doctors agree that the plant is categorically contraindicated for gout, stomach ulcers, urolithiasis, and allergies to ascorbic acid. Extracts of dried spinach leaves are part of numerous biological food supplements and vitamin complexes.

Alternative medicine suggests using the plant for:

Treatment of hemorrhoids. Pass 100 grams of spinach leaves through a meat grinder, give juice from the gruel. Mix liquid into equal proportions with almond oil. Take 1 tsp. 2 times/day. The course of therapy is 3 weeks.
For burns or abscesses. Pour a bunch of spinach into 50 ml vegetable oil. Boil over low heat until tender. Use the resulting mixture for compresses 2-3 times / day.
With convulsions. Put a bunch of spinach leaves in a water bath. Grind, mix with 2 tbsp. l. olive oil. Ready tool to take 1 tbsp. l. 2 times / day. The duration of treatment is 1 month.

For weight loss

Due to its low calorie content and a large set of useful properties, leafy vegetables are indispensable for weight loss. Reviews of women claim that on a spinach diet in a week you can drive up to 5 extra pounds. sample menu per day:

Breakfast: vegetable salad with carrots and spinach leaves, seasoned corn oil(200 grams), green tea.
Dinner: Brown rice with stuffed spinach chicken breast(200 g), tea;
Afternoon snack: green cream soup, two loaves.
Dinner: light salad with seafood (200 g), 1 apple, kefir.

In cosmetology

On the basis of a leafy vegetable, you can prepare masks for skin care. The following recipes are popular:

100 g of spinach leaves pour 100 ml of milk, boil until gruel. ready mix put on gauze, attach to the face. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse your skin warm water apply nourishing cream. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week.
Grind 50 g of leaves, mix with 1 tbsp. l. olive oil and 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice. Apply the mixture on your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash off the residue with cool water. The mask perfectly removes freckles, age spots, whitens, but you can use it only once a week.

Spinach is a vitamin component of many salads and second courses. It is considered that beneficial features Spinach has been known to mankind for a very long time - since the 16th century. The birthplace of spinach is Persia, where it was actively used in cooking and as an ingredient in the preparation of medicines. The Arabs considered the vegetable a delicacy and consumed it only on holidays.

He came to Europe thanks to the Crusaders, who brought him there back in the Middle Ages. The green leaves of spinach were to the taste of the Spanish monks, who began to grow them in the monastic lands.

But in Russia, spinach was not considered an edible plant for a long time and was used exclusively for the preparation of medicinal potions. Only in the 19th century did the green vegetable firmly take its place in cooking. Salads were prepared and continue to be prepared from it, added to soups and side dishes, stewed or made on its basis in sauces, fillings for pies.

The miracle vegetable goes well with almost all products - it can often be found in dough or scrambled eggs, and Italians cook lasagna with it. Not a single cuisine of the world has bypassed spinach with its attention. Spinach is available for sale both fresh and in the form of frozen bars.

Chemical composition

It would seem that spinach has neither a special aroma nor any pronounced taste. So what is the secret of its popularity? The main beneficial properties of spinach, the most “fashionable” ingredient in many dishes, are in a high content of nutrients. These are 14 essential vitamins - A, B, C, P, PP, vitamin D2, necessary for the prevention of rickets, calcium, magnesium, iron, folic acid. Spinach is rich in protein - in terms of its content, it is second only to peas and beans. This vegetable can also be called a real “champion” in terms of iodine content.

spinach calories

However, the product contains only 17 calories per 100 g and belongs to the "light" food. I must say, the beneficial properties of spinach today are well known to everyone who dreams of slim figure. There are even special diets based on this vegetable that help to effectively and quickly say goodbye to extra pounds.

Useful properties of spinach

Spinach is especially useful for people suffering from anemia and those who have weakened health and immunity. The invaluable benefits of spinach and for healthy people especially for young children and actively growing teenagers. In people who eat this vegetable, hemoglobin increases markedly, the number of red blood cells increases, the supply of vitamins and minerals is replenished, immunity increases and the frequency of acute respiratory infections and influenza decreases.

In addition, the benefits of spinach in diseases are noted. nervous system, it is recommended to add it to food also for hypertension, tuberculosis, overwork, diabetes, rickets, retinal detachment and growth disorders in children.

The product perfectly stimulates the work of the intestines and pancreas, has a slight laxative effect, promotes rejuvenation of the body and reduces the risk of cancer. It is also recommended as effective remedy improving and restoring men's health.

Contraindications

But it should be borne in mind that for all its excellent qualities, spinach is not useful for everyone. Perhaps the main disadvantage of the vegetable can be called a high content of oxalic acid. Therefore, it is considered harmful to people suffering from diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract. Not too much spinach is useful if there is rheumatism or gout.

Spinach cream soup recipe (video)

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Juicy green spinach leaves are increasingly appearing in our kitchens. It is consumed raw and boiled, poached and stewed.

These bright green leaves can be used in both cooking and medicine.

Due to an unfortunate typo in medical directory the effect of this plant on the body was exaggerated: it was believed that it contains a record amount of iron in its composition; but the myth has been dispelled. Of course, iron is present in it, but it will be absorbed only if you use foods with high content ascorbic acid. Today we will look at the beneficial properties of spinach, find out how it differs from sorrel, and how it should be consumed in order to heal and cleanse the body as much as possible.

Plant characteristic

Spinach is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the haze family. This vegetable crop is early ripening - no more than 30 days pass from young shoots to full ripeness. In the photo above, you can see spinach that has reached maturity.

The flowering period of this plant falls on the month of July; at this time, small green inflorescences appear on it. After that, fruits are formed that are outwardly similar to small nuts, and they need about three months to ripen.

Rosettes are used for food, which are tied at the beginning of the growing season. The variety of this vegetable crop will determine how spinach looks. classic look characterized by triangular-lanceolate leaves. Summer spinach is light. In addition, the leaves of the plant may vary - in some species they are rough, corrugated, in others they are absolutely smooth.

At first glance, it may seem that spinach and sorrel are one and the same. But in reality this is far from the case. On closer examination, it turns out that the spinach leaf is rounded and dark, while the sorrel leaf is sharp and light.

The difference becomes more apparent when the two plants are tried. Everyone knows that sorrel is sour, but what does spinach taste like? Its leaves are very tender and have a slightly bitter taste.

Compound

Spinach has a fairly rich composition, which includes:

vitamins - A, B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, C, E, H, K, PP;
macroelements - calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus;
trace elements - iron, zinc, copper, manganese, whole;
alimentary fiber;
organic acids;
unsaturated fatty acids;
mono- and disaccharides.
proteins;
carbohydrates;
fats.

The calorie content of spinach is quite low and amounts to only 23 kcal per 100 g of product.

Effect on the body

So what are the benefits of spinach? Its regular use will contribute to the following processes:

normal development and functioning of blood cells and tissues;
protection against macular degeneration, which is the main cause of visual impairment in old age;
prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
prevention of softening and violation of the integrity of bone tissue;
stroke prevention;
normalization of blood pressure;
strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
inhibition of the formation of cancerous tumors.

On a note! In the course of recent studies conducted by California physicians, it was found that spinach reduces the risk of developing neoplasms, even in those who, after a long experience, abruptly quit smoking.

In addition, spinach is good for heart health and is actively involved in the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. This vegetable crop has positive influence on the vascular system and helps strengthen the immune system.

Consuming spinach leaves fresh, you will forget about constipation and normalize bowel function. After all, it is not for nothing that this plant is called the "intestinal broom." Green leaves are very useful for the central nervous system - they drive away stress, insomnia and neuroses.
Asthma and anemia capitulate to spinach. And the sugar-lowering properties of this vegetable crop are very important for people suffering from diabetes.

For men

Spinach exhibits beneficial properties that are becoming relevant for men.

It is no secret that it is the male part of the population that is more prone to strokes and heart disease. And by introducing this plant into your diet, you can significantly reduce the risk of their occurrence.
Spinach is a natural muscle tissue growth stimulator, which, unlike chemical preparations, allows you to gain the necessary mass without doing any harm and without side effects.
This vegetable is rich in elements that contribute to the production of testosterone, the main male hormone. By eating spinach, you can protect yourself from problems with potency and ensure good blood flow to the genitals.

On a note! As experts in the field of medicine have found out, eating spinach is useful for young men. Since there is a direct connection of this plant with the formation of an excellent men's health.

For women

The benefits of spinach for women are also very important.

Important! When using spinach during breastfeeding, the mother needs to constantly monitor the reaction of the child, because in this case in addition to benefit, it can also cause harm. It should be introduced into your diet gradually, and if the baby does not have digestive problems, then the use of this vegetable can be continued.

Contraindications

Spinach has the following contraindications:

kidney failure;
diseases of the genitourinary system;
ulcers and other diseases of the stomach;
diseases of the liver, biliary tract and duodenum;
gout.

In all other cases, spinach will only benefit the body. Use it daily and be healthy!

All materials on the site are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any means, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!

Almost everyone knows about the beneficial properties and taste of spinach. This plant is used for making various dishes and culinary delights. However, not everyone knows that spinach is widely used in alternative medicine. Based on this product, many natural remedies for treatment and prevention are made. various diseases.

How useful spinach is for human health, and what are the ways to use it for medicinal and culinary purposes, we will consider further.

Chemical composition and calorie content

Useful properties of spinach are due to its rich natural composition. This product is characterized by a high content of vitamins and minerals in it, which makes its use beneficial for the human body.

V chemical composition spinach includes:

choline;
riboflavins;;
lutein, glycine, phenylanine, leucine;
proteins;
starch;
alimentary fiber;
glutamic, ascorbic, folic, nicotinic, oxalic and aspartic acids.

Vitamin composition:

C - 55 mg (61% of daily allowance);
K - 482.9 mcg (40.2%);
A - 750 mg (83.3%);
E - 2.5 mg (16.7%);
B9 - 80 mcg (20%);
Beta-carotene - 4.5 mg (90%).

B vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine.

Mineral composition of spinach (in mg):

Potassium - 774 (31%);
Calcium - 106 (10.6%);
Phosphorus - 83 (10.4%);
Magnesium - 82 (20.5%);
Sodium - 24;
Iron - 13.51 (75.1%);
Copper - 13 mcg;
Selenium - 1 mcg;
Zinc - 0.53;
Manganese - 0.897 (44.9%).

calories spinach is very low, only 22 calories per 100 grams of product. This makes its use especially effective and useful during the period of weight loss.

The nutritional value of spinach is: 2.9 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat and 3.6 g of carbohydrates.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Rich vitamin composition spinach has made it an indispensable source of nutrients. The use of this plant in food heals the body and enriches it with nutrients.

This plant has:

anti-inflammatory;
diuretic;
antioxidant;
restorative;
tonic;
immunostimulating;
antioxidant;
vascular strengthening properties.

The plant improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and normalizes the work of metabolic processes. Spinach is useful for its cleansing action. It removes harmful substances (toxins, slags, salts, metals) from the body, improves digestion, and eliminates constipation problems.

The leaves of the plant contain useful substances that allow you to normalize hemoglobin. Due to the huge content of iron, spinach helps to saturate the cells of the body with oxygen.

The plant has an antitumor effect, which makes its use especially useful in oncological diseases. The phytonutrients that make up the plant inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Spinach juice has a tonic effect. It energizes, relieves fatigue and gives strength.

The benefit of the plant lies in its ability to lower sugar, which makes it indispensable in the diet of people suffering from diabetes.

Spinach contains vitamin K, which increases blood clotting and strengthens bone tissue. Eating spinach improves bone health and reduces the risk of developing osteoclasts (cells that cause loose bones).

Spinach is especially useful for people suffering from diseases of the circulatory and of cardio-vascular system. It is recommended to use the leaves of the plant daily for anemia and hemorrhoids.

Spinach leaves have a disinfecting and disinfecting effect. They are recommended to be taken for external use in the presence of wounds, cuts and even boils.

Spinach is useful for hormonal disruptions, diseases thyroid gland, avitaminosis and metabolic disorders.

Spinach is good for the male reproductive system. The plant improves reproductive function and increases potency. At regular use testosterone rises, prostate function improves. The plant prevents the occurrence of sexual dysfunction and strengthens the health of men.

Benefits for women

rich natural composition and great amount medicinal properties Spinach makes its use especially beneficial for a woman's body.

Especially useful spinach during pregnancy. The plant enriches the body of the expectant mother and child with all essential vitamins and micronutrients. Folic acid, which is part of the plant, strengthens the structure of the fetus, and also improves the process of hematopoiesis.

At breastfeeding the product is also useful, as it supplies the body with nutrients. However, the child's body may react to spinach with an allergic reaction, so it is better to consult with your doctor before using it.

Due to the low calorie content and beneficial substances spinach is recommended during the period of weight loss. Among the useful properties of the plant, its ability to speed up metabolism and remove toxic substances and salts that prevent weight loss is distinguished.

Also, the benefits of spinach for a woman's body lies in its rejuvenating effect. The plant is used in the preparation of various nourishing masks that tighten the skin and eliminate fine wrinkles. About what kind of home cosmetics skin care, let's talk further.

Application

Useful properties and taste qualities spinach have found wide application in the industrial industry. The plant is actively used in cooking for the preparation of various dishes. Salads are made from it, added to side dishes, soups, etc.

Dietetics uses this product during the period of weight loss, as the product has a low calorie content and a large supply of nutrients, which the body especially needs during the diet period.

For cosmetic purposes spinach is used to prepare various nourishing skin care masks. At home, prepare natural remedies for healing and rejuvenating the skin.

pharmaceuticals uses spinach extract in the production of dietary supplements and natural preparations for women's and men's health.

Alternative medicine uses spinach leaves as a medicine. On their basis, folk remedies are prepared to eliminate various diseases. The plant is also used for prevention purposes. Methods of treatment and recipes based on it will be discussed later in the article.

Folk remedies with spinach

Alternative medicine offers many recipes using spinach. This product is used in medicinal purposes for the treatment of various ailments. His medicinal properties used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, etc.

To cure hemorrhoids we scroll the bunch of plants through a meat grinder and squeeze the juice. Mix in equal proportions the juice of the plant and almond oil. Take the resulting remedy one spoonful twice a day. The course is two to three weeks.

Folk remedy for eczema, burns and abscesses: boil the leaves of the plant in olive oil until tender. The resulting mixture is applied to damaged areas of the skin 2-3 times a day.

To normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract It is recommended to use a fortified salad. To prepare it, we take 100 g of plant leaves, cut and mix with sour cream and one egg. Lettuce is consumed within two days.

With convulsions the leaves of the plant are boiled in a water bath. Next, grind and mix with 2 tbsp. l. olive oils. The resulting remedy takes 1 tbsp. l. twice a day. The course is one month.

Treatment of anemia and headache based on juice mixture. For her, mix the juice from:

spinach leaves,
carrots,
beets.

The ingredients are taken in equal proportions. We use half a glass of juice four times a day for three days.

To improve metabolism grind the leaves of the plant, mix them with 2 cloves of garlic and 0.5 tsp. horseradish and 100 g grated apples. We put the resulting product in the refrigerator and use it every morning, on an empty stomach, 10-15 grams.

Cosmetology

The beneficial properties of the plant are also used in home cosmetology. Based on spinach medicines for skin care. In this case, the benefit of the plant for a woman is to improve the condition of the epidermis. Plant juice stimulates the production of collagen, improves skin tone and enriches it with vitamins and minerals.

The anti-aging mask is prepared according to the recipe:

We put 50-100 grams of the plant in an enameled container.
Add milk and cook.
When the mass takes on the consistency of gruel, spread it on a layer of gauze.
We take a supine position and apply gauze to the face.
Keep the mask for 20 minutes, rinse and apply a nourishing cream.

Nourishing mask. Wash 100 g of leaves of the plant and pour half a glass of boiling water. When the plant becomes soft, put it on a saucer, cool and add 1 tsp. carrot juice, 1 tablespoon of honey and a few drops of any essential oil. Mix and apply on face, neck and décolleté for 20 minutes. Then rinse off with cool green tea and apply cream.

Whitening mask. Rub the spinach leaves thoroughly. Pour a spoonful of olive oil and a little lemon juice, mix and apply on the face for 20 minutes. Then wash off with cool water.

Cooking recipes

Cooking abounds various recipes spinach dishes. This plant is used in the preparation of salads, soups, side dishes, bakery products etc. Most often, salads are prepared with spinach.

Most popular recipe salad contains ingredients:

spinach - 1 bunch;
bacon - 100 g;
champignons - 100 g;
sesame - 1 tbsp. l;
sea salt;
ground black pepper;
olive oil.

Toast the sesame seeds in a pan and set aside. We take one bunch of spinach, wash, dry and cut. Cut the bacon into thin slices and fry until crispy. Lay out on a plate. We cut the mushrooms into two parts (or 4, depending on their size). Fry in a frying pan in the fat left over from the bacon. Arrange the spinach on a platter and sprinkle with mushrooms, sesame seeds and bacon. Salt, pepper and drizzle with olive oil. The dish is ready to eat!

Delicious and healthy soup can be cooked with spinach. For the recipe you will need the following ingredients:

spinach 500 g;
beef meat - 0.5 kg;
potatoes - 0.5 kg;
salt;
spices;
lemon juice- 1 tsp;
sour cream - 1 tbsp. l.

Grind half a kilo of spinach in a blender to a puree state. Cook lean beef broth. Add spices and salt. Once it is ready, take it out. In the remaining broth we cut 0.5 kg of potatoes. We bring the potatoes to a state of readiness, then we mash them (right in the broth). Add spinach leaves to the resulting mass, wait for the mixture to boil. Then cook for two more minutes.

Prepare dressing: take 1 tbsp. l. sour cream and mix it with lemon juice and ground pepper. Ready soup Pour into a bowl and serve with dressing.

hearty and healthy pie with spinach is prepared from the ingredients:

spinach - 0.5 kg;
cheese - 400 g;
yeast dough;
eggs - 2 pieces;
butter - 10 g;
salt, spices to taste.

We take 0.5 kg of spinach and grind it in a blender. We grate 400 g of Bulgarian (or any other not very salty) cheese and mix with two raw eggs. We roll out a layer of dough (yeast) and put it in a baking dish, pre-greased butter. We spread the filling and then cover it on the sides with a layer of dough. Bake for about 30 minutes at 180 degrees.

Healthy spinach smoothie

Fast and healthy drink from spinach will help to remove all toxins and toxins from the body. It will require:

spinach - 2 bunches;
kiwi - 1 pc.;
banana - 1 pc.;

Wash the spinach well and pat dry. Grind all three ingredients in a blender. The drink is ready to drink! Such delicious cocktail especially useful for weight loss. It speeds up metabolism, saturates and energizes.

How to select and store spinach?

The choice of spinach should be treated with particular care. The plant must be young. The leaves are dense, without any spots and inclusions. When bent, the sheet usually emits a certain crunch, which indicates its freshness.

Dark large leaves indicate the maturity of the spinach. It is better to eat a young plant of light green color.

It is recommended to store the plant in the refrigerator, but no more than two days. After this time, spinach begins to lose its unique beneficial properties. Freshly picked spinach is best stored in a special container or in a glass of water.

special benefit brings frozen spinach. When subjected to freezing, the plant does not lose its properties. This allows you to use it at any time of the year. However, spinach should be stored in this form for no more than three months.

Contraindications

Despite its beneficial properties, spinach has a number of contraindications. If used incorrectly, the plant can cause a number of side effects.

Spinach contraindications:

hyperacidity stomach;
allergy to ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
increased blood clotting;
urolithiasis disease;
taking medications that thin the blood (when taken, an opposite reaction occurs);
gout;
stomach ulcer;
rheumatism;
antibiotic treatment;
not recommended for use during breastfeeding;
individual intolerance;

Eating spinach in a stale form can harm the body in the form of various adverse reactions. Frequent use product in food is also undesirable. The plant contains a lot of natural acid, which can cause allergies or digestive problems.

It is important to use a fresh product and wash it thoroughly before eating. If the plant has lain in the refrigerator for more than three days, it is better to throw it away or heat it. In its raw form, it is necessary to use only fresh shoots of the plant.

Evgeny Shmarov

Reading time: 6 minutes

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Spinach is one of the healthiest foods. It is rich in vitamins, helps fight excess weight and toxicosis in pregnant women, and dishes using spinach are interesting and healthy.

Spinach varieties - which spinach is best for planting, is healthier, and which is just tastier?

There are quite a lot of varieties of spinach - about 20 species. However, only 12 types of garden spinach grow in the middle lane. For planting, gardeners prefer to choose the most unpretentious varieties - Virofle, Gaudri, Victoria, Matador and Virtuoso. All varieties of spinach are equally useful and similar in taste, and distinguish them by precocity and type of leaves.

You can start growing spinach almost anywhere - from a winter greenhouse to the windowsill of your own apartment. All that is required of you is to provide bright lighting in the room and make sure that the temperature fluctuates between 15 o-18 o C.

Well, if you don’t have time to garden, you can always buy spinach in large stores, where it is sold in two types - fresh (vacuum-packed) and frozen (portioned balls).

On a note: the younger the spinach, the less oxalic acid it contains, and therefore the bitterness. Therefore, choose leaves of a juicy green hue, without visible spots. Such spinach will taste tender and soft, and bitterness will not be felt.

By the way, many people confuse spinach with sorrel, which is very popular in our country. But if you look closely, it will become noticeable that these vegetables differ in shape and color, and when tasting, the difference is obvious - sorrel tastes sour, and spinach has a slightly bitter taste.

Composition and nutritional value

Spinach has many health benefits and is low in calories. 100 g of spinach contains only 23 calories.

Nutritional value of 100 g of spinach:

91.6 g - Water.
2.9 g - Proteins.
0.3 g - Fats.
2 g - Carbohydrates.
1.3 g - Dietary fiber.
0.1 g - Organic acids.
1.8 g - Ash.

Vitamins contained in spinach (per 100 g):

55 mg - Vitamin C.
18 mg - Choline.
4.5 mg - Beta-carotene.
1.2 mg - Vitamin PP.
750 mcg - Vitamin A.
80 mcg - Vitamin B9.
482.9 mcg - Vitamin K.

Macro- and microelements contained in spinach (per 100 g):

20 mcg - Iodine.
106 mg - Calcium.
774 mg - Potassium.
82 mg - Magnesium.
24 mg - Sodium.
83 mg - Phosphorus.
13.51 mg - Iron.
13 mcg - Copper.
1 mcg - Selenium.
0.897 mg - Manganese.

The benefits and healing properties of spinach

Remember the cartoon about the sailor Popeye? Spinach gave him tremendous strength, and rightly so - this vegetable stores many useful substances.

Spinach Benefits:

Regular use of spinach helps to increase the capacity for work and perfectly rejuvenates the body, and if you are prone to stress, spinach will help relieve tension and calm the nerves.
Doctors recommend using spinach for gastritis and anemia - its diuretic, tonic, anti-inflammatory and laxative effect will become an indispensable tool in the treatment.
Spinach contains iodine, so it is very useful for thyroid diseases.
It is worth paying attention to spinach and dieting - low calorie and compatibility with other products will help to lose weight.
And one of the most important features spinach is the presence in its composition of lutein - a substance indispensable for the eyes. Lutein renders beneficial effect on the retina and relieves eye fatigue.

The harm of spinach for health and contraindications for use

Spinach contains oxalic acid, and in large quantities it is harmful to health. Therefore, it is better to buy only young spinach leaves, and do not store them for more than 48 hours. V last resort, spinach can be frozen, thereby extending its shelf life by a couple of months.

People with diseases of the duodenum, liver and kidneys.
Patients with stomach ulcers.
Patients with rheumatism and gout.

At what age can a child be given spinach?

spinach - very useful product, it can be included in the children's diet from 8 months. At an early age, you should limit the amount of spinach - twice a week is enough.

On a note: Pay attention to the freshness of spinach - excess oxalic acid can cause allergies, so use only young leaves. Milk perfectly neutralizes oxalic acid - you can add it to children's dishes, especially the first time spinach is introduced into the baby's diet.

Spinach has practically no smell and taste, so it can be used not only in mashed potatoes, but also added to various soups and salads.

Spinach puree for toddlers

This is the easiest dish to prepare for babies from 8 months. Milk and a little butter can be added to spinach.

Fish with spinach in an omelet for children from 2 years

In this dish, it is better to use cod or hake fillets, and for taste, you can add celery, cherry tomatoes and a little olives. The dish turns out to be useful and very tasty.

Spinach for pregnant women, diabetics and allergy sufferers

In the absence of the contraindications described above, spinach is recommended to be included in the diet of expectant mothers, because the iodine contained in the product is necessary for the thyroid gland and the stabilization of the hormonal background. And also daily use spinach will help pregnant women cope with the unpleasant symptoms of toxicosis.
During pregnancy, many women experience such unpleasant problems as hair loss and brittleness, brittle bones. Vitamin K contained in spinach helps to retain calcium in the body and promotes its absorption. In addition, this vitamin is necessary for normal blood clotting - it prevents bleeding and helps in the treatment of hemorrhagic diathesis (a condition when the capillaries lose blood and the skin becomes covered with dark spots, in other words, this is the so-called subcutaneous bleeding). It is thanks to getting enough vitamin K that our liver is able to produce prothrombin, a substance directly related to normal blood clotting. In short, vitamin K is simply necessary for our body!
Patients with diabetes are also advised to include spinach in their diet. Its use has a beneficial effect on peristalsis, improves the functioning of the stomach. Many diabetic patients experience digestive problems, and spinach will help stabilize the bowels.
Spinach allergy sufferers should be careful. Food allergies are quite individual, so it is recommended to consult a doctor and consume spinach in small portions.

spinach on a diet

Dishes with the addition of spinach are not only delicious, but also very healthy. From this product you can cook a lot of salads, casseroles, soups, pancakes. This vegetable is optimally combined with almost all products, and the lack of taste can be replaced with various spices.

As we have already said, spinach is a product with a very low calorie content, so for those who want to lose extra pounds, it can become an indispensable assistant!

On a note: By eating spinach at least 2-3 times a week, you can lose weight and improve your body. The main rule of such a diet- introduce boiled and baked foods into your diet, excluding fried and sweet, and Spinach should be consumed at least 150 grams per day.

What dishes can be cooked using spinach:

Potato with cheese and spinach.
Soup with spinach.
Meat pie with spinach.
Fried spinach with onions.
Spinach with tomatoes.
Chicken rolls with spinach.
Spinach rice with cheese.
Fritters with spinach.