The nutrient-dense spinach is a vegetable that is highly valued for its health benefits. With its high content of iron, vitamin A and vitamin C.
In addition, spinach promotes eye health, the immune system and contributes to energy production.
Spinach: curiosities, history and legends
Above all, of course, the legend that makes it one muscle strengthenerbecause of the good Arm wrestling.
arm wrestling is a famous fictional character originally from the United States and created by Elzie Crisler Segar. He made his debut in 1929 in the daily comic strip entitled Thimble Theater and later also became the protagonist of cartoons in cinema and television.
Woman with a bunch of spinach – wineandfoodtour.it
Popeye’s soundtrack, composed in 1933, stated, “I’m strong to the end because I eat spinach,” which helped popularize the consumption of this vegetable among children.
It is widely believed that spinach is rich in ironbut it is actually about vegetables with a relatively low content of this mineral. Despite this, the misconception that spinach is an important source of iron persists, leading to its consumption in certain cases of anemia.
This myth arose from a Misprint in 1870, If a decimal has been shifted by one place, This gives the impression that spinach contains ten times more iron than it actually contains.
However, the spinach might have done it a positive effect on muscular endurance. This is thanks to nitrates, which improve skeletal muscle activity. However, there is no scientific evidence of an increase in strength or athleticism. However, the spinach remains a healthy choice for a balanced diet.
Spinach in fresh leaves – wineandfoodtour.it
Actually, spinach was created approx 2000 years ago in ancient Persia. Spinach then appeared in India and ancient China, and made its way to Nepal in 647 AD, where it became known as the “Persian vegetable.” Later, in AD 827, they were introduced to Sicily by the Saracens.
How this precious vegetable should be prepared
Aside from Popeye and our moms wanting us to eat this vegetable, the beneficial effects of this food are certain. As a matter of fact They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Spinach is a valuable resource for boosting the immune system because it contains important nutrients such as Vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, zinc and selenium.
Spinach and strawberry salad – wineandfoodtour.it
These substances are essential for maintenance and preservation strengthen our body’s defenses. Vitamin A and Vitamin C are antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage, helping to maintain a healthy immune system.
folic acid is involved production of white blood cells, which are responsible for our body’s defense against infection. Zinc and selenium are also important minerals support immune function.
Spinach is a natural source of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that play a role important in protection our body from free radical damage.
These substances have a particularly positive effect on eye health because they accumulate in the retina and contribute to the maintenance of the retina.
lutein and zeaxanthin are able to absorb harmful light and neutralize free radicals generated as a result of exposure to ultraviolet rays blue light emitted by digital devices.
By protecting the retina and counteracting the effects of free radicals, these antioxidants can help prevent or delay the development of eye diseases age-related, such as macular degeneration.
Choose spinach
Choosing between fresh and frozen spinach can be difficult, and the dilemma often arises as to which option is better. In principle, it is advisable to always opt for this fresh vegetables.
However, in winter or when these vegetables are not in season, it may be necessary to resort to frozen vegetables to be able to eat them anyway.
It’s important to point out that frozen spinach doesn’t have the same properties as fresh spinach and definitely doesn’t taste the same. Nonetheless, they are still a healthy choice.
Cook better
The right way of preparing spinach is crucial for best preserve its qualities Nutrient. An important consideration is that duration of cooking and exposure to heat, both of which can interfere with the preservation of the nutrients contained in spinach.
Prolonged cooking or exposure to excessive heat can degrade many of the nutrients in spinach.
Spinach and sesame sauce – wineandfoodtour.it
in reverse, too short or insufficient cooking It may not be enough to eliminate some unwanted substances, such as oxalates, that can interfere with the absorption of some nutrients.
Therefore, it is advisable to use a cooking technique that will ensure its shelf life a right balance to ensure the preservation of the nutritional values of the spinach while reducing the presence of undesirable substances.
Diced, frozen and fresh
Before consuming frozen food, it is necessary to cook it properly. It is important that they can be prepared both steamed and boiled Avoid leaving them on the fire for too long being rich in water, they boil quickly. After cooking, it’s important to squeeze them to remove excess water.
Frozen spinach cubes – wineandfoodtour.it
The first basic step with fresh spinach is to wash it thoroughly to remove all impurities and dirt residue.
It is then advisable to cook them in boiling water for a short time, around 2 to 3 minutes, in order to better preserve their valuable properties. Once it’s cooked, it matters Drain them in cold water stop cooking e retain their texture and freshness.
Spinach and sesame sauce – wineandfoodtour.it
At this point they can be seasoned or added to taste with oil, salt and lemon for a touch of freshness and acidity a thin dash of balsamic vinegar for a more intense taste.
The goal is to highlight the flavor and unique properties of fresh spinach, offering a tasty and nutritious dish.