Spinach
Spinach
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].
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
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
Important
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
Important
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.
FAQs about Spinach precautions
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
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
Benefits of Spinach
FAQs about Spinach benefits
Hair loss
Spinach controls hair fall and promotes hair growth. This is because of its Picchila (sticky) property that helps in the production of sebum. Sebum keeps your hair moisturized and promotes natural hair growth.
Tips:
1. Blend some Spinach leaves with water and make a paste.
2. Apply it to your scalp and leave it for at least 2-3 hours.
3. Wash it with plain water using a herbal shampoo.
4. Repeat it once or twice a week for controlling hair loss.
Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when the sun rays increase the Pitta present in the skin and reduce the Rasa Dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which gives color, complexion and glow to the skin. Applying Spinach helps to reduce burning sensation and heal the burned skin due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
1. Blend some Spinach leaves with water and make a paste.
2. Apply it to your skin and leave it until it dries.
3. Repeat it once or twice a day to get instant relief from sunburn.
Spinach controls hair fall and promotes hair growth. This is because of its Picchila (sticky) property that helps in the production of sebum. Sebum keeps your hair moisturized and promotes natural hair growth.
Tips:
1. Blend some Spinach leaves with water and make a paste.
2. Apply it to your scalp and leave it for at least 2-3 hours.
3. Wash it with plain water using a herbal shampoo.
4. Repeat it once or twice a week for controlling hair loss.
Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when the sun rays increase the Pitta present in the skin and reduce the Rasa Dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which gives color, complexion and glow to the skin. Applying Spinach helps to reduce burning sensation and heal the burned skin due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
1. Blend some Spinach leaves with water and make a paste.
2. Apply it to your skin and leave it until it dries.
3. Repeat it once or twice a day to get instant relief from sunburn.
Precautions when using Spinach
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Spinach juice or paste should be avoided if you have a hypersensitive skin.
Recommended Dosage of Spinach
- Spinach Juice - 1-2 teaspoons or as per your requirement.
How to use Spinach
1. Spinach pulp for hair
a. Take 15-20 Spinach leaves or as per your requirement.
b. Boil them and then blend to form a paste.
c. Add olive oil to it.
d. Apply evenly on the hair, its roots and tips.
e. Let it sit for 4-5 hours.
f. Wash off with shampoo and conditioner.
2. Spinach fresh face pack
a. Take 15-20 leaves of Spinach or as per your requirement.
b. Blend them to form a paste.
c. Apply it on the face.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
e. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to get rid of dirt, oil and inflammation from the skin.
a. Take 15-20 Spinach leaves or as per your requirement.
b. Boil them and then blend to form a paste.
c. Add olive oil to it.
d. Apply evenly on the hair, its roots and tips.
e. Let it sit for 4-5 hours.
f. Wash off with shampoo and conditioner.
2. Spinach fresh face pack
a. Take 15-20 leaves of Spinach or as per your requirement.
b. Blend them to form a paste.
c. Apply it on the face.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
e. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to get rid of dirt, oil and inflammation from the skin.
Frequently asked questions
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].
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
1. Spinach Capsules
2. Spinach Juice
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.
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.
Modern Science View
Spinach is a rich source of iron, folate and folic acid. These are the constituents that are responsible for for making stool dark or black in color. It is the usual tendency of any iron rich supplement and is not harmful or dangerous[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you may experience gas, bloating and cramping after eating Spinach because it takes time to digest due to its Guru (heavy) property. Try drinking a full glass of water every time you eat Spinach to help accelerate your digestion process.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Spinach may be useful in managing stomach pain[8].
Ayurvedic View
Eating Spinach helps to control stomach pain due to hyperacidity. This is because of its Sita (cold) property. It reduces acid and subsides the stomach pain.
Modern Science View
Although enough evidence is not available, Spinach may be useful in improving the quality of blood[5].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Spinach may be useful in increasing stamina. It is rich in a number of micro- and macronutrients that may be increase vitality and restore energy[5].
Ayurvedic View
Eating Spinach helps to increase stamina and energy. This is due to its Guru (heavy) nature. It helps to increase Kapha which makes your body healthy and improves stamina if you take regularly in your diet.
Modern Science View
Red Spinach has various health benefits. It helps in digestion and promotes bowel movement. It also cleanses the blood and improves kidney function[7].
Modern Science View
Spinach is found to be beneficial in case of pregnancy due to the presence of folate(folic acid). Folate helps in the development of a healthy fetus. It also helps in the proper development of the brain and spine[4].
Modern Science View
Although not enough scientific information is available to support the role of Spinach in the case of babies, it is recommended for children[5].
Modern Science View
Although not enough scientific information is available but Spinach might help in weight loss due to the presence of fewer calories and a large number of minerals and vitamins. It is also rich in water and fiber content which helps in loss of weight by lowering the fat in the body[6].
Ayurvedic View
Weight gain results due to the formation and accumulation of toxins in the form of Ama which is because of incomplete or poor digestion. This occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Spinach helps in this condition due to its Kapha balancing property. This helps to prevent the formation and accumulation of Ama in the body.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Spinach may be useful in promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss[9].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Spinach may be useful in managing skin inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory property[5].
Ayurvedic View
Spinach helps to reduce skin inflammation when applied on the skin. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties. It reduces inflammation and gives a cooling effect when applied to the affected area.
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.
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.