Lutein is the pigment found in foods like green leafy vegetables that gives it its color. It is found in the yolk of eggs. Spinach is freshest if purchased in the early spring months as well as in September and October but is available year round. Those months you will find the flavor to be best. It is best when purchased fresh but can also be found in the frozen food sections. It was first found in its original form in the southwestern part of Asia but first was cultivated by the Persians. It is grown universally except for in the tropics. It was used first as a plant for medicinal purposes because of its oxalic acid.

In addition to improving eye health, spinach contributes to protect against heart and gastrointestinal diseases. Even though it is the source of much iron and calcium there is one concern. The rate of absorption is nearly nil. What happens is the acid binds calcium into an insoluble salt which cannot be absorbed by the body, the same applies to iron. Despite its unusable iron and calcium, it is still very rich in other essential vitamins, minerals and proteins. It is especially high in vitamin C and riboflavin. Each cup of cooked spinach has a very high amount of not only Vitamin A, but also potassium, magnesium and vitamin E as well as thiamin.

Many people substitute spinach for lettuce on sandwiches and is used very often in salads. A popular salad is to combine spinach with crumbled boiled eggs. Eating spinach raw is the most nutritious way but many enjoy eating it cooked . Having such a high amount of water about one pound of fresh spinach will cook down to about one cup. All vegetables juices are nutritious to drink, but spinach juice is claimed to be the most potent to prevent the formation of cancer cells.

 

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