The bitter spinach might require some getting used to for some people. But regardless of its less than pleasant taste, its health benefits remain unparalleled.

Classified under the Brassica genus of plants, spinach boasts a high amount of sulfur-rich compounds that are strong enough to fight off cancer cells. Nutritionists might recommend eating spinach as part of a balanced diet, but not a lot of people consider the benefits of juicing this potent superfood.

Juicing is a lot healthier than most people think

Some might consider juicing as just another health fad, but don’t be fooled. Juicing has been around for centuries, and there’s a reason this simple food preparation method has stood the test of time.

For one thing, consuming foods as juice results in better nutrient absorption. One reason our bodies take hours to digest a single meal is that the gastric acids first need to break down food particles to release their nutrients. This process can take several hours depending on one’s gut health. Juicing cuts this process in half.

Juicing is also a great supplement to a balanced diet. Drink fresh fruit juice in the morning instead of coffee for an instant boost, or drink it in the afternoon instead of caffeinated tea.

Drinking homemade juices also boosts the natural filtering abilities of our organs, flushing out impurities and harmful substances.

Drink spinach juice for optimal health

Spinach boasts an incredible nutrition profile rich in manganese, folate, copper, calcium, carotenoids and sulforaphanes. Juice this superfood to reap its health benefits:

Inhibits inflammation

The carotenoids in spinach juice help protect against inflammation due to unstable molecules called free radicals. If left unchecked, these molecules can cause immense damage to DNA and other cells that can lead to chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Spinach is also rich in phenolic compounds that combat inflammation.

Protects against macular degeneration

Spinach juice contains the plant compounds lutein and zeaxanthin. These two are hailed for their protective effects against age-related macular degeneration that can lead to vision problems and eventual vision loss.

Fights cancer cells

Brassicas are popular superfoods because of their sulfur-rich compounds, and spinach is no different. These compounds, called sulforaphanes, are able to neutralize carcinogens and inhibit the spread of certain cancer cells, including those of the colon and pancreas.

Regulates blood pressure

Drinking spinach juice promotes blood pressure control. This effect is due to the juice’s rich nitrate content. Nitrates are compounds that help ease the pressure in our blood vessels, resulting in better blood circulation.

Promotes skin and hair health

Drinking spinach juice can also lead to better hair and skin health. The juice is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that provides structural support for the cells of the skin, hair, bones and muscles. Vitamin C also protects against sun damage that can lead to visible signs of aging.

Green juice for beginners

Spinach is best consumed alongside other superfoods that boost or complement its inherent health benefits. Here is a simple recipe for green juice that features spinach, apple and lemon:

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of spinach
• 2 apples
• 1/2 lemon

Instructions:

1. Wash the ingredients under running water.
2. Remove the seeds from the apples and lemon.
3. Chop the ingredients to manageable pieces and feed them to the juicer. You can also blend and strain them instead.
4. Stir before drinking.

Spinach juice is loaded with nutrients and beneficial plant compounds that support various aspects of our health. Drink it as part of a balanced diet to reap its health benefits.

Sources:

GoodNature.com

Healthline.com

Foodal.com