Spinach - useful properties and contraindications

The diet of a modern person should be varied and completely balanced, because the abundance of products on store shelves allows this to be done. As a rule, each family consumes fruits, vegetables and herbs. An obvious representative of the latter is spinach - juicy green leaves with low calorie content. Let's look at the beneficial properties and possible contraindications of the plant.

Spinach Composition

The value of any food product must be considered from the point of view of what useful substances are included in its composition. Spinach has a balanced list of mineral compounds, vitamins, dietary fiber, ash, water, pectin, organic acids.

It is difficult to list everything that is contained in spinach. Green leaves are rich in iron in a large volume. Not without the presence of manganese, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, selenium. Spinach contains magnesium, sodium, calcium, iodine, boron, rubidium, molybdenum.

A special place is given to vitamins. In greens there is retinol, which is also called vitamin A. The composition accumulates a decent amount of beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine. There is also ascorbic acid, vitamin H, vitamin K, vitamin PP, choline, pantothenic acid, folic acid.

The plant concentrates natural organic acids, which favorably affect the condition of hair and nails. And dietary fiber controls the work of the gastrointestinal tract. With all this, the calorie content of spinach does not exceed the mark of 23 units.

Benefits of Spinach

1. On the basis of fresh leaves, you can prepare therapeutic decoctions, which are used to rinse the oral cavity. Such remedies cope well with bleeding gums, stomatitis, teething and caries.
2. Any greens positively affects the digestive system. Spinach is no exception. Juicy green leaves when ingested in the esophagus improve the passage of food, thereby reducing the likelihood of constipation.
3. Of particular value is the plant circulatory system. Special substances from the composition of spinach release blood vessels from cholesterol, preventing serious diseases. Among them are varicose veins, atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis.
4. Spinach increases the body's defenses in the midst of an epidemic of influenza and other viral infections. Green leaves must be included in the menu of a person who, from birth, is tormented by low immunity.
5. Due to the accumulation of such a mineral compound as iron, serious prevention of anemia is carried out. Otherwise, this disease is called anemia. It is accompanied by a sharp decline in hemoglobin and a lack of iron in the blood.
6. Beta-carotene is known to everyone as a substance that has a beneficial effect on eye health. Spinach must be introduced into the daily nutrition of people with eye problems or blurred vision. The plant prevents fatigue, lubricates the eye sockets, strengthens the muscles.
7. Almost all useful substances from the composition of spinach do not evaporate during the heat treatment. This quality is appreciated by people who, for special contraindications, can not eat greens in their raw form.
8. As can be understood from the list of chemicals, spinach contains many vitamins belonging to group B.Thiamine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, niacin and other substances have a positive effect on the nervous system and psychoemotional background. Spinach should be eaten to eliminate the effects of stress, with insomnia and general depression.
9. Green leaves improve blood by accelerating red blood cell production. Also, when spinach is consumed, brain neurons are stimulated, which improves memory, perception, vision, and all important cognitive functions.
10. The abundance of iodine encourages people to use the plant for the treatment and prevention of pathologies associated with the thyroid gland and the entire endocrine system in particular.

The benefits of spinach for women

1. The fair sex fell in love with spinach for its widespread use in cooking. Green leaflets can be eaten in unlimited quantities, combining with leaf lettuce. In this case, a comprehensive cleansing of the body from toxins and poisons is carried out.
2. During menstruation, greens will also benefit. There is a lot of iron in spinach, and this mineral compound is washed out during menstruation, which leads to a decrease in hemoglobin and dizziness. Greens prevent unpleasant consequences.
3. Spinach is recommended to be introduced into the daily diet of girls who are breast-feeding. The plant eliminates bitterness from breast milk. As a rule, it is this phenomenon that causes the baby to abandon the breast. Greens also increase the fat content and nutritional value of milk.
4. Useful properties for women are difficult to overestimate. The plant increases fertility, so it must be included in the menu of ladies who plan to conceive a child. As a result, a woman has an increased chance of having a healthy baby.

The benefits of spinach for men

1. Useful qualities of the plant positively affect the male body with regular consumption. Spinach is saturated with natural protein and tocopherol. Together, enzymes have a beneficial effect on potency.
2. A systematic intake of raw materials provides increased blood flow to the genitals. A positive result is achieved thanks to zinc and folic acid. Testosterone production also rises. Spinach is recommended to eat at any age.

The benefits of spinach for pregnant women

1. Spinach contains a whole complex of necessary enzymes for the fair sex, which are in an interesting position. The plant contributes to increased production of hemoglobin and prevents the leaching of calcium.
2. As mentioned earlier, the product is rich in folic acid. The enzyme is necessary for the proper formation of the fetus. In addition, folic acid is much better absorbed from the plant than from fortified medicines. Also, the raw material contains a lot of iodine, which is necessary for the formation of the baby's nervous system.
3. Many pregnant girls have difficulty digestion, this is accompanied by constipation. Active components of spinach have a mild laxative effect. The plant gently cleanses the intestines without consequences and pain.
4. If you have contraindications, spinach intake may be strictly limited. The plant does not belong to allergenic products, so you can eat it during breastfeeding. It is important to monitor the condition of the baby, with the slightest deviation, the plant should be stopped.

The benefits of spinach for weight loss

1. Spinach is famous for its low calorie content and rich vitamin and mineral complex. The plant is actively used in the world of nutrition. Therefore, if you decide to lose weight, spinach will become an integral part of the new diet.
2. It is worth knowing that the plant has tonic, laxative and diuretic effects. Spinach has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, improving its activity. The abundance of fiber effectively cleanses the body of harmful substances.
3. The composition contains natural antioxidants that cleanse the internal organs of toxins, poisons of a different nature, a strong accumulation of slag. Everyone knows that you can’t lose weight with a "dirty" body. Spinach completely removes toxins and toxins, contributing to natural weight loss.

The benefits of spinach for children

1. The plant can be included in the baby’s diet from six months already. Spinach is introduced into the feed in the form of freshly squeezed juice from the leaves. The healing properties of raw materials eliminate bloating, pain, colic and constipation.
2. If you regularly give spinach to children under one year of age, there will be no problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Also, the raw materials perfectly prevent the development of sluggish anemia. A positive result is achieved through vitamin C and iron.
3. Some time after the child’s body has become accustomed to the juice of the plant, puree is allowed to be introduced into the diet. Oxalic acid is present in spinach, but the enzyme can easily be neutralized with milk.
4. In any case, in order to avoid contraindications and some problems, it is recommended to consult with a pediatrician in advance. After the approval of a specialist, raw materials should become an integral part of the diet of a growing organism.
5. Spinach must be given to the child daily in the prescribed amount. The plant will be better absorbed than vitamin complexes in tablets. Spinach is easily digested and gives everything the body needs. Raw materials strengthen the optic nerves and the immune system.

Spinach in cosmetology

1. In cosmetology, spinach is very successful. Plant-based masks increase facial skin tone and maintain natural beauty. It is enough to combine the pulp from the leaves of the plant with a small amount of vegetable oil and natural milk.
2. Such a composition fully reveals all the useful qualities of a home-made cosmetic product. Apply the mask in the form of an application and stand for at least half an hour. After completing the procedure, you need to wash with warm water or chamomile broth.
3. Systematic procedures will soon return the skin to its former firmness and elasticity. Spinach restores water-alkaline balance and eliminates small wrinkles. Masks are especially recommended for dry and aging skin.
4. For inflammatory processes on the skin, it is recommended to mix the pulp from the leaves of the plant and egg white. The product must be combined to a homogeneous substance and distributed over the face. Wait a third of an hour, and then wash in the usual way. Pat your face with a clean bath towel.

Spinach contraindications

1. Spinach is forbidden to eat in any quantity in the presence of jade, gout and urolithiasis. Also, the product is contraindicated in pathologies of the liver, gall bladder and intestines.
2. Consider individual intolerance and a possible allergic reaction. As a rule, such phenomena are quite rare in practice. Overeating with spinach negatively affects the activity of the thyroid gland.

Spinach is a unique product that should be included in your daily diet. An important feature remains that contraindications must be taken into account. Do not abuse the plant. In other cases, the product is extremely beneficial for humans.

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