Spinach is one of the most commonly available and consumed leafy vegetables and is high in nutritional value, especially iron.
Consuming Spinach on a regular basis is beneficial in case of anemia as it is a rich source of iron. It can also be consumed in the form of juice to promote weight loss. Spinach might also be useful for diabetics as it helps manage blood sugar levels.
In Ayurveda, Spinach is considered as a good source of reducing dryness of hair as well as hair loss due to its Picchila (sticky) property. Spinach paste or juice can help manage sunburn as applying it on the skin might heal burned skin due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties[1][2].

What are the synonyms of Spinach?

Spinacia oleracea, Palak, Prickly-seeded Spinach, Palaka

What is the source of Spinach?

Plant Based

Benefits of Spinach

What are the benefits of Spinach for Fatigue?

Modern Science View

Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Spinach may be useful in managing chronic fatigue[4].

How effective is Spinach?

Insufficient evidence

Fatigue

Precautions when using Spinach

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

It is safe to take Spinach in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Spinach supplements during breastfeeding.

Moderate Medicine Interaction

Modern Science View

Spinach may slower the blood clotting. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Spinach with anticoagulants drugs[2].

Patients with diabetes

Modern Science View

Spinach may lower the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Spinach with antidiabetes drugs[2].

Patients with kidney disease

Modern Science View

Spinach may worsen kidney diseases. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Spinach if you have kidney diseases[2].

Pregnancy

Modern Science View

It is safe to take Spinach in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Spinach supplements during pregnancy.

Recommended Dosage of Spinach

Spinach Capsule - 1- 2 capsules or as per your requirement.
Spinach Juice - 1-2 teaspoons or as per your requirement.

How to use Spinach

1. Spinach Raw leave
a. Take raw leaves of Spinach as per your requirement.
b. Boil them and mix with your favorite vegetable.
c. You can also add salt and spices as per your taste.

2. Spinach Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Spinach.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.

3. Spinach Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Spinach juice
b. Add With 1 glass of water
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking food

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are the constituents of Spinach?

Modern Science View

They are rich in minerals and hence can be called as “Mines of minerals”. It is also a rich source of vitamin A, iron, essential amino acids and fiber and helps in providing the required amount of dietary fibre. The phytochemicals present are carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds[1][2].

Q. In what forms Spinach is available in the market?

Modern Science View

Spinach is available in the market in the raw form as it can be used to make various dishes from it. Mostly leaves of the Spinach are used in various recipes. However Spinach is also available in the market in the following forms:
1. Spinach Capsules
2. Spinach Juice

Q. How can I eat raw Spinach?

Modern Science View

Raw Spinach has various health benefits and can be eaten with various combinations. It can be eaten in a salad by combining it with tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, and carrots. Tossed Spinach is prepared with strawberries and almonds which is considered to be healthy. Raw Spinach may also be added to pasta or wrap to make it nutritious.

Q. What are the health benefits of eating cooked Spinach over raw?

Modern Science View

Raw Spinach contains oxalic acid which inhibits the absorption function of essential nutrients and results in the deficiency of nutrients whereas cooked Spinach is a good source of vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, and other proteins. But there is no need to avoid the use of raw Spinach because it contains various nutrients. So, both raw and cooked Spinach is beneficial as both contain a good amount of iron and is considered to be beneficial for health.

References

1
Meena VK, Subramanian S,Dipti NV.et.al.Introduction of palak (Spinacia oleracea L.) in Ernakula district of Kerala through front line demonstration and on farm testing.Agric. Sci. Digest., 36 (2) 2016: 130-133.
2
Wannee Jiraungkoorskul.Review of neuro-nutrition used as anti-Alzheimer plant, Spinach Spinacia oleracea. Phcog Rev 2016;10:105-8
3
WebMD.Spinach: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
4
Abbas SS, Hasan HF.Comparative Pharmacodynamic Effect between Folate Isolated from Spinacia Oleracea Leaves and Synthetic Folic acid on Pregnant Mice.Advances in animal and Veterinary Sciences.2019;7(4):225-231.
5
Neskovic M, Culafic L.Spinach (Spinacia oleracea).Springer.1988;6:370-385.
6
J Hedges, L & Lister, Carolyn.Nutritional attributes of spinach, silverbeet and eggplant.Crop & Food Research Confidential Report. 2007.
7
Molina E, Gonzalez RP, Moreno RR, et al.Effects of diets with Amaranthus Dibius maret ex. Thell. On performance and digestibility of growing rabbits.World Rabbit Sci. 2015;23:9-18.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.

References

Meena VK, Subramanian S,Dipti NV.et.al.Introduction of palak (Spinacia oleracea L.) in Ernakula district of Kerala through front line demonstration and on farm testing.Agric. Sci. Digest., 36 (2) 2016: 130-133.

Wannee Jiraungkoorskul.Review of neuro-nutrition used as anti-Alzheimer plant, Spinach Spinacia oleracea. Phcog Rev 2016;10:105-8

WebMD.Spinach: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].

Abbas SS, Hasan HF.Comparative Pharmacodynamic Effect between Folate Isolated from Spinacia Oleracea Leaves and Synthetic Folic acid on Pregnant Mice.Advances in animal and Veterinary Sciences.2019;7(4):225-231.

Neskovic M, Culafic L.Spinach (Spinacia oleracea).Springer.1988;6:370-385.

J Hedges, L & Lister, Carolyn.Nutritional attributes of spinach, silverbeet and eggplant.Crop & Food Research Confidential Report. 2007.

Molina E, Gonzalez RP, Moreno RR, et al.Effects of diets with Amaranthus Dibius maret ex. Thell. On performance and digestibility of growing rabbits.World Rabbit Sci. 2015;23:9-18.