Why Should You Eat Spinach For Colon Cancer Risk Prevention?
What Nutrients In The Spinach Matter?
Spinach contains various nutrients and phytochemical compounds. It contains vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, folate, lignans, flavonols, potassium, iron, calcium, and carotenoids (particularly beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein).
Spinach For Colon Cancer Prevention
Many studies show that foods rich in dietary fiber decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Dietary fibers also decrease the risk of overweight and obesity, one of the risk factors for developing colon cancer. Not only does dietary fiber help prevent colon cancer, but it also decreases the risk of 12 different cancers linked with excess body fat.
The American Institute for Cancer Research states that non-starchy vegetables may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Besides having dietary fibers, as a non-starchy vegetable spinach also helps in reducing colon cancer risk.
Free radicals generated from normal metabolic processes or exposure to carcinogens can damage cell components, including genetic material that may play a role in the development of cancer. Carotenoid compounds, vitamin C, and flavonols present in spinach are antioxidants that decrease the free radical damage. They also support the immune system.
A new study published in 2021 September states that spinach can significantly reduce the formation of tumors in the colon. In this study, the rats with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) were fed with freeze-dried spinach for 26 weeks. FAP is an inherited disorder that causes multiple polyps (non-cancerous growths) in the colon. Sometimes, they may lead to colon cancer.
The researchers found that spinach affects the gut microbiome (microbes such as bacteria and fungi that live in your gut) in a way that could inhibit the growth of polyps.
Tips On Storage And Preparation Of Spinach
Store the unwashed spinach in an airtight bag for three to five days in the refrigerator. The researchers suggest that chopped and uncooked spinach is the best way to eat as it offers more antioxidants, especially lutein.
You can try adding chopped fresh leaves in chicken or vegetable soup, salad, or sandwiches. When you prefer cooking, steaming and sauteing works well for spinach. Be careful when cooking spinach with oil as it may act like a sponge and carry a large portion of fat.
What Other Health Benefits Does Spinach Offer?
The lutein content in this green vegetable protects against macular degeneration, the disease that causes blindness in older adults. Spinach helps prevent dryness, itching and ulcers in the eyes.
It is a very good non-animal source of iron and can prevent hair loss. Also, the vitamin C present in spinach enhances your body’s ability to absorb iron. People suffering from anemia should include this ideal food daily as iron is vital for healthy red blood cells. Eat cooked spinach if you are suffering from anemia.
This non-starchy vegetable increases blood sugar slowly and is the best food to add to a diabetic diet. Potassium and folate present in spinach can help reduce blood pressure and boosts heart health. It supports the immune system that keeps you protected from bacteria and viruses that cause disease.
Other than colon cancer, the phytochemical compounds and antioxidants in spinach may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung and mouth cancers. Spinach has calcium and vitamin K, which are important for healthy bones and help inprevent osteoporosis.
Make Your Life Green With This Green Leafy Vegetable:
This leafy green vegetable has been shown to benefit health in many ways. Start adding spinach for colon cancer prevention and other benefits. Other than spinach, adding whole grains, garlic, flaxseed, apples, carrots, and beans to your diet helps prevent colon cancer.
If you have kidney stones, spinach may not be a good option to add to your diet as it may cause stone formation. Ask your doctor whether you can consume it if you have kidney stones or take blood-thinning medications.
