Spinach Facts
Spinach – Facts Say It's Not Just For Popeye Anymore!
• Spinach is originally from southwestern and central Asia. It's a plant that is normally annual, but it may grow year-round in some areas, if the temperatures are moderate.
• Spinach facts include their simple, rather triangular leaves, with large leaves near the base and small leaves near the top of the plant.
• Older forms of spinach were grown in Nepal, which is also likely one of the first places the plant was grown for commercial purposes. It was largely unknown in areas outside India, but after conquests by Muslims in early years, the plant was spread to areas outside India. Spinach was taken to China in 647, maybe by Persians. Arabs of Muslim religion spread spinach up as far as Spain, and by the 11th century, spinach was a plant that was commonly used in the world of Muslins.
• One cup of boiled spinach, facts say, contains over one thousand times your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin K. Spinach also contains almost 300% of your RDA of Vitamin A, and 84% of your daily RDA of manganese. Spinach is also a great source of folate, magnesium, iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2 and calcium.
• There are thirteen or more flavonoid compounds found in spinach that your body uses as antioxidants and agents that are anti-cancer agents.
• There is in spinach, facts say, a carotenoid, also found in some other leafy vegetables, that helps your body to fight prostate cancer in two ways.
• Women who include kaempferol in their diets had more than a 35% reduction in the risk of contracting ovarian cancer. Spinach is very rich in kaempferol, and a vital cancer-fighter.
• Vitamin K which is so abundant in spinach, facts state, is very important to your body in maintaining the health of bones. In addition, there are good bacteria in your intestines that can convert vitamin K1, which then, as vitamin K2, activates a protein that occurs in your bones. Spinach also has magnesium and calcium, both important in healthy bones.
• Few foods are as rich as spinach in nutrients that help protect your body from diabetic heart disease and atherosclerosis. Spinach facts also tell you that its nutrients are antioxidants that are important in reducing free radicals.
• To include spinach in your diet, here are some helpful recipe tips. Try some of them today!
• Add spinach in layers to your lasagna, for increased flavor, and a healthier meal.
• Toss spinach, after steaming, with fresh lemon juice, garlic and olive oil, and you can sprinkle it with a bit of Parmesan cheese.
• Spinach salads are easy to make, and they're a delicious side dish or meal.