Is it true…Does eating spinach improve eyesight?
Mainly it is because it has lutein and other carotenoids. Many believe that lutein is a protection for the eye from sun damage and reduces the possibility of developing AMD which is known as age-related macular degeneration. This eye problem affects the middle of the eye which is called the macular allowing you to see only peripherally—or only from the side. This means that your ability to see to read and to do close work as well as seeing clearly objects at a distance your vision is being reduced. AMD affects about one out of five of those people over 65. .
Lutein is the pigment found in foods like green leafy vegetables that gives it its color. It is found in the yolk of eggs. Spinach can be purchased fresh anytime of the year but is best in the months of March throughMay and the early fall months as well. It has the best flavor in season. You can buy spinach canned or frozen but it is most nutritious when purchased fresh. Originally it was found in Southwest Asian and was unknown to Romans and Greeks but first began to be cultivated by the Persians. It is grown universally except for in the very warm climates. It came into use first as a medicinal plant because of its oxalic acid.
Spinach is hailed as a super food because it has so many vitamins and minerals. It is low in calories. In addition to lessening the danger of AMD it reduces the possibility of another eye problem which is cataracts when taken along with other nutritious foods.
Besides improving eye health, spinach helps to protect against heart and gastrointestinal diseases. Although it is a very high source of iron and calcium it does have a drawback. The rate of absorption is nearly nil. This is because the acid binds calcium into an insoluble salt which cannot be absorbed by the body, this is true with iron too. Despite this drawback, it is still very rich in other essential vitamins, minerals and proteins. It is especially high in vitamin C and riboflavin. One cup of cooked spinach has a very high amount of Vitamin A, folate, magnesium, potassium, as well as Vitamins E and thiamin.
Many people substitute spinach for lettuce on sandwiches and is used very often in salads. A popular salad is to combine spinach with crumbled boiled eggs. Spinach is best eaten fresh however it can be steamed or included in casserole dishes . Because it is so high in water content one pound will shrink to about one cup. The spinach juice is claimed to help the most to prevent the formation of cancer cells.
Spinach can lose much of its nutritional value when stored for greater than a few days. While refrigeration slows this effect, spinach will still lose most of its folate and carotenoid content with the passage of time. For longer storage it can be frozen, cooked and frozen, or canned. Storage in the freezer can last up to eight months. About 75% of spinach sold in the United States is sold in the fresh market. More and more people are choosing to buy spinach fresh because of the cello-packed and triple-washed packaging and the more tender baby spinach is available now.
Spinach can improve your eyesight along with eating other nutritious foods.
Did you know you can improve your vision naturally by also adding what some people call eyesight herbs and supplements?
