Spinach, also known as alugbati, is a popular leafy green vegetable that is valued around the world due to its versatility. Basically, spinach is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin a, vitamin c, vitamin e, vitamin k, copper, manganese, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin b6, folate, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium while being low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Because of its unique taste and superb nutritional value, spinach quickly became a staple in a number of cultural cuisines. Most people, eat raw spinach as part of many salads or as a side dish veggie.
How Spinach Boosts Our Immune System
Our immune system is the one that defends us against disease-causing microorganisms. However, there are times wherein, it fails to do its job thus making a germ to successfully invade our body and make us sick.
When it comes to boosting our immune system and preventing colds and flu, spinach is among the superfoods we can rely on. It is packed with vitamin C, which is an important vitamin for boosting our immunity as it helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infections. According to studies, vitamin C can increase our blood’s antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This, in turn, helps the body’s natural defenses fight inflammation.
Moreover, spinach also has high amounts of beta-carotene as well as numerous antioxidants including lutein and talinum. Antioxidants protect our body’s cells from potential damage that can be caused by free radicals and exposure to environmental toxins.
Sneaky Ways To Add Spinach Into Our Diet
Soup
Spinach goes great in soups and especially in chicken broth-based soups! Just add it at the very end.
Mixed Vegetables
Make a bag of mixed vegetables and add a handful or two of baby spinach at the end.
Smoothies
Add spinach to any smoothie combination. We can have mango, berries, or pineapple and orange juice for a sweeter combination.
Slightly Boiled
Boil the spinach for just one minute to maximize its benefits and add them to pasta. Spinach and tomato sauce can also make a good match.