Spinach

Spinach is popularly known as vegetable or green by many Nigerians; in the North it is known as “alaiho”.  It is a member of the Amaranthaceous family and its scientific name is Spinaciaoleracea. It is a green, leafy vegetable that is cheap and affordable for everyone. It is rich in minerals, vitamins pigments and phytonutrients. All these together make spinach very beneficial for a number of vital processes. It is advisable to consume spinach on a regular basis. One of the biggest reasons why spinach is so important and valued around the world is that it is very durable and it can survive through any weather.

This vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked in a number of recipes for soups and stew. Spinach has Minerals, Vitamins, Potassium, Manganese, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, and Calcium and numerous health benefits amongst which are:

1.      It improves eyesight

2.      It treats macular degeneration

3.      It strengthens muscles

4.      It helps the bone

5.      It reduces risk of cataracts

6.      It increases your metabolism

7.      It acts as anti-ulcerative

8.      It helps with fetal development

9.      It treats and prevents cancer

10.     It also protects the skin

By Maimuna Bagudu