Sunday, February 28, 2010

Spinach!

Did you know that spinach is not only a rich source of vitamins and minerals, but researchers have identified carotenoids and at least 13 different flavonoid phytonutrients in spinach that act as powerful antioxidants? Antioxidants combat the free radicals that cause oxidative damage to both cells and DNA. When the researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University tested various fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capabilities, spinach ranked second only to kale among the vegetables tested. The various flavonoids in spinach have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic properties, while its carotenoids, such as zeaxanthin and lutein, help fight prostate cancer and protect against eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Since carotenoids are fat-soluble, they are not well absorbed unless fat is also consumed — a good reason to add extra flavor and nutrition to spinach by dressing it with extra virgin olive oil.

From George again... :>

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I like Spinach!

"I'm strong to the finish, 'cause I eats me Spinach, I'm Popeye the sailor man! (toot, toot)"
"A-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah!"

-Steve