Spinach

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Spinach is a vegetable that belongs to the amaranth family. In France, for example, spinach is commonly called the "king of vegetables." This is not to say that spinach has some amazingly bright taste, but it contains so many useful elements that are difficult to find in any other vegetables. Vitamins, minerals and vegetable proteins make spinach so useful and popular.

Culture characteristics

It is believed that spinach was known long before our era in ancient Greece. Here it was considered a delicacy and was consumed only by noble and wealthy families. Spinach came to Europe only during the time of the Crusaders, it happened in the Middle Ages, and Spanish monks began to grow it.

For some time, spinach was used only in Italy, and after that, the love for spinach passed to other European countries. Spinach has been grown in Russia for more than two centuries, but it can be said that it has not yet acquired true popularity to this day.

Of course, many other crops are just as healthy as spinach. However, the main benefits of spinach are the many beneficial substances that, in such quantities, are difficult to remember anywhere else. Even when cooked, spinach retains all its beneficial elements, especially vitamins A and C.

Spinach is very low in calories and contains potassium, phosphorus, iron and calcium. As for proteins, spinach can only be compared with members of the legume family in terms of their content. In addition, spinach contains a variety of vitamins, fatty acids, starch, fiber, and beta-carotene.

So, spinach will be equally useful both fresh and as part of numerous dishes. Spinach leaves can be used to make delicious and incredibly light soups. When it comes to pairing with meat and fish, spinach helps the absorption of these foods and other high protein foods faster. Spinach is baked, very often added to salads, and also used as a filling for various pies. Spinach goes well with cream, cheese and milk. Very often it is used to prepare various sauces and small snacks. And spinach juice can color various dishes, such a natural food coloring will not do any harm, but on the contrary, it will be very useful.

In addition, this culture is very often used in cosmetology. In America, spinach is fed to young children because it is believed to help the proper development of bones and prevent rickets. If you want to improve your digestion, then spinach is the perfect choice. Spinach saturates the body with energy, helps to strengthen blood vessels, and also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

With hypertension, diabetes mellitus and diseases of the nervous system, the use of spinach is also very useful. This is due to the fact that this culture has anti-inflammatory, tonic and diuretic effects. Spinach is also good for your vision: this is due to the presence of lutein in this culture, which is able to completely protect you from retinal degeneration. Spinach helps to maintain healthy skin, which happens due to the increased content of vitamins A and E.

Contraindications

However, spinach is contraindicated for those with kidney problems. After all, spinach contains a lot of oxalic acid. Especially in this regard, overgrown spinach is very harmful.

It is very important not only to choose the right spinach, but also to store it wisely. The spinach leaves should be very fresh and free of any dark spots. It is recommended not to wash spinach before storing it: only when you definitely decide to use spinach, then it should be washed. This little secret will allow spinach to last longer. At the same time, frozen spinach can be stored for up to three months.