Spinach is a nutritious green-leafy vegetable commonly cultivated in most parts of Nigeria. It is rich in different nutrients and minerals beneficial to the human body.
While spinach is almost readily available all year round because of its affordability and ease of processing, Mujahid Sunusi Rabi’u, a Kano-based doctor said spinach helps control the level of glucose content in blood, thereby useful to diabetic patients, adding that it also lowers blood pressure.
He said the green-leafy vegetable is filled with a great amount of calcium which strengthens bones and collagen which beautifies human skin and hair.
Additionally, spinach provides minerals and vitamins that can confer a range of benefits to the human system including, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E and magnesium. One cup of raw spinach contains 7 calories; 0.86 g of protein; 29.7 mg of calcium; 0.81 g of iron; 24 mg of magnesium; 167 mg of potassium; 141 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A; 58 mcg of folate.
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Mr Sanusi said that iron aids in maintaining healthy pregnancies, supporting the immune system, and aiding digestive processes. Magnesium supports energy metabolism, maintaining muscle, nerve function, regular heart rhythm, a healthy immune system, and maintaining blood pressure. Magnesium also plays a part in numerous biochemical reactions in the body.
The chlorophyll pigment in spinach may have anticancer properties and people who eat diets rich in green vegetables may have a lower incidence.
However, too much consumption of spinach can cause harmful effects to those with reduced kidney function.
