Spinach is also known as Persian, red root, parrot, etc. It belongs to the genus Spinach of the Chenopodiaceae family and is an annual herb. The plant can reach a height of 1 meter, with conical roots, reddish, or less white, leaves that are halberd-shaped to oval, bright green, with entire edges or a few tooth-like lobes.

There are many types of spinach. According to the shape of the seeds, it can be divided into two varieties: thorny varieties and thornless varieties.

Spinach is native to Iran and is widely cultivated in China. It is one of the most common vegetables.

Spinach is known as the "nutritional model student". It is rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, minerals (calcium, iron, etc.), coenzyme Q10 and other nutrients.

1. Clear the intestines, prevent and treat hemorrhoids

Spinach contains a large amount of plant crude fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, facilitate defecation, and can promote pancreatic secretion and help digestion. . It has a therapeutic effect on hemorrhoids, chronic pancreatitis, constipation, anal fissure and other diseases.

2. Promote growth and development and enhance disease resistance

The carotene contained in spinach is converted into vitamin A in the human body, which can maintain normal vision and the health of epithelial cells. Increase the ability to prevent infectious diseases and promote children's growth and development.

3. Ensure nutrition and improve health

Spinach is rich in carotene, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and a certain amount of iron, vitamin E, rue II, and coenzyme Q10 and other beneficial ingredients, which can supply the human body with a variety of nutrients; the iron contained in it has a good auxiliary treatment effect on iron deficiency anemia.

4. Promote human metabolism and delay aging

The fluorine-containing phenol, 6-hydroxymethylpterythrodione and trace elements in spinach can promote human metabolism. , improve physical health. Eating a lot of spinach can reduce the risk of stroke.

5. Clean skin and anti-aging

Spinach extract can promote the proliferation of cultured cells, which not only resists aging but also enhances youthful vitality. Chinese people mash spinach to extract juice, wash their face several times a week, and use it continuously for a period of time to clean skin pores, reduce wrinkles and pigment spots, and keep the skin smooth.

6. Blood enrichment

The protein quality of spinach is higher than that of other vegetables, and it contains a considerable amount of chlorophyll, especially vitamin K, which is the highest among leafy vegetables (mostly contained in the roots). It can be used as an auxiliary treatment for nosebleeds and intestinal bleeding. The reason why spinach replenishes blood is related to its rich carotenoids and ascorbic acid, both of which play an important role in health and blood replenishment.

7. Protect blood pressure

A high-sodium diet will increase blood pressure. Just the opposite of sodium, potassium can prompt the kidneys to excrete more sodium, thereby buffering the effect of sodium salt on blood pressure. side effect. Moreover, studies have also found that eating more potassium-containing foods has a protective effect on cerebral blood vessels. Among green leafy vegetables, spinach is the largest source of potassium. Many people like to eat canned spinach, but it contains a lot of sodium, which is not good for the health of patients with high blood pressure. If fresh spinach is not available, it is recommended to eat quick-frozen spinach, as nutrients will not be lost and it is easy to store. You can mix it with nuts, milk, etc. to make juice for drinking. It should be reminded that patients taking warfarin for anticoagulation should eat less spinach to avoid affecting the efficacy of the drug.