Spinach

How much spinach, broccoli and kale is too much?

Dr.SHIVA™: Spinach on Heart Health @CytoSolve® Systems Analysis(11/21)

Medicinal Parts: the leaves

Constituents

Listing on Duke's Database

Triterpene saponins; including among others spinach saponins A and B

Oxalic acid (in young leaves 6-8%, in older leaves up to 16%)

Histamine (up to 140mg/100 g fresh weight

Flavonoids; including among others, patuletin, spinacetin, spinatoside

Chlorophyll (0.3-10%)

Vitamins; including among others ascorbid acid (vitamin C, 40-155

Nitrates (depending on the fertilizer, 0.3-0.6%)

Effects

Spinach contains several plant compounds, like kaempferol, which studies suggest plays a role in protecting against cancer and other chronic diseases.

In fact, a 2011 study suggested that some of these components helped cyclists use less oxygen over the course of a ride. And a 2014 study found that another spinach compound called tyrosine helped to improve reflex speed.

Uses

Spinach preparations are used for ailments and complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, to stimulate growth in children, as an appetite stimulant, for fatigue and for supporting convalescent.

Spinach displays significant antacid activity be it in the raw juice form or as an extract in methanol.