Growing Spinach!

Pictured here is two rows of baby spinach.  Of course they are tiny little things because it's still early in the season, but after reading up on spinach benefits, I can't wait until the crop becomes full grown.  I've always loved spinach, but I've never been aware of all its benefits.

Spinach is low in calories yet very high in vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, C, B2, B6, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, and potassium. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber, and copper. It's also a good source of selenium, niacin, and it even contains omega-3 fatty acids.

A great thing about spinach is its versatility.  It can be eaten raw in a salad or baked into a caserole.  It can even be used in shakes and smoothies. Or it can be cooked and eaten as a dish on its own or added to soups for extra flavor. If boiling, use the least amount of water possible for the shortest time as to not boil out all the vitamins!

Spinach is loaded with antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals damage the body and cause disease.  Antioxidants help to repair or prevent free radical damage.  Researchers have discovered at least 13 different flavonoid compounds that act as anti-cancer substances. The various nutrients found in spinach offer much in the way of disease protection.

Not only does spinach have all these excellent benefits (plus many more), but it's readily available just about anywhere in the world.  If you can't grow your own, it's an affordable product at the store.  Basically, it's easy to get your hands on...And why wouldn't you after knowing how much it benefits your body?