Researchers from Arizona State University have found that including spinach in the diet can help reduce bodily inflammation and may slow cellular aging. The greens are rich in lutein and key vitamins including A, C, and K, which play a vital role in maintaining visual health. These findings are summarized in a review published in Food & Function.
The study is a comprehensive review of existing research on spinach, focusing on its biochemical makeup and the potential health benefits. The central takeaway is that regular spinach intake supports aging health and helps keep inflammation in check across the body.
Spinach is highlighted for its natural antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help shield cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules produced both by environmental stressors and normal metabolic processes.
In addition to antioxidants, spinach provides substantial amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and B9 (folic acid), along with lutein. These nutrients support normal eye function, color discrimination, and sharp vision. They also contribute to healthy blood clotting, skin, bones, and cardiovascular health.
The researchers noted that cooking methods can influence spinach’s nutritional value. They suggest lightly sautéing the leaves in a touch of oil, enjoying raw spinach, or blending it into smoothies to preserve nutrients.
A nutrition expert previously flagged a myth about yogurt, stating that dairy can offer benefits with live cultures, rather than being limited to those cultures alone.