Spinach
Spinach: Nutrition and Key Health Benefits
We love our leafy greens here at Field Doctor, and spinach is one of our hero ingredients for a reason. A good source of essential vitamins, we use spinach in many of our Field Doctor ready meals due to its health benefits and low FODMAP content. Read more in our dedicated spinach guide.
Interesting facts
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable that originated in Persia. Its known in China commonly as the “ Persian green”. Although they look nothing alike spinach is related to beets and quinoa as it is part of the amaranth family.
One of the foods (in the group of leafy green vegetables) advised as part of the MIND diet (more information below).
Source of
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin K
Key health benefits
Supports psychological function. 20g of spinach is high in vitamin C which is known to support psychological function.
- Low in FODMAPs. 75g of baby spinach and English Spinach are fine to eat if you are avoiding FODMAPs for your sensitive tummy.
Maintenance of bone health. Spinach is rich in vitamin K which is bone building nutrient (1).
Supports collagen formation for your skin. Vitamin C is a nutrient in spinach that can help boost your body’s natural production of collagen. Collagen is an important protein that prevents skin from ageing (2).
Protects cells from oxidative stress. Spinach contains the antioxidant vitamin C. Spinach also contains other antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and violaxanthins (3).
Maintains normal blood pressure. Spinach is a good source of potassium (4).
The MIND diet
MIND stands for the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. The MIND diet was developed as a diet to support continued cognitive health as people get older. It combines aspects of two well known diets, the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
According to the research, eating more of the 10 recommended foods (of which green leafy vegetables are one) has been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline over time (5).
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more content: Hero Ingredients
Brazil Nuts are one of Field Doctor's hero ingredients, being packed full of essential nutrients and providing many key health benefits. Check out our guide to Brazil Nuts, alongside how to incorporate more of this nut into your diet.
Quinoa, a pseudo-grain with many health benefits, is an important hero ingredient, forming the backbone of many meals as they are a complete protein. Learn more about quinoa and how to best incorporate this superfood into your diet.
Not only is butternut squash delicious, but it is also packed full of nutrients to contribute to your health. Learn more in our dedicated butternut squash guide, and explore why we feature this hero ingredient in so many of our healthy ready meals.
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