Health benefits of spinach

Spinach has a few lesser known benefits. It has many more benefits than just improving your vision with its high levels of vitamin A.

- Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll that prevents cancer. It has been shown that it is effective in blocking the carcinogenic effects of chemical compunds called heterocyclic amines. Heterocyclic amines are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature. These chemical compunds are especially found in red meat when it is grilled in high temperatures.

- Spinach is an execellent source of a pigment called beta-carotene which prevents asthma. Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots are also rich sources of beta-carotene.

- It's high content of potassium helps lower blood pressure. Spinach is advised to those with high blood pressure to nullify effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake plays as much a part in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.

Other high potassium foods include potatoes, tomatoes, lima beans, and oranges.