Get to know the “plant of immortality”, a local vegetable with amazing benefits, a roadside tree that is a treasure trove of health.
Know the “plant of immortality” that has been around since ancient Greece. In Thailand, it is a familiar local vegetable, a health treasure hidden in the forests along the roadside.
Spinach (Amaranth), a local vegetable that has been with Thai people for a long time. Although it has been overlooked by the new สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที generation, in fact spinach is a valuable source of nutrients. It has been nicknamed the “plant of immortality.” In ancient Greece, spinach or amaranth was sacred. It was believed that spinach had healing powers and was a symbol of immortality. Images of spinach leaves were used to decorate the homes of gods and various tombs.
Amaranth is often misunderstood or mistranslated in Thai as the vegetable that Popeye uses to boost his energy. In fact, the vegetable is spinach, and the word spinach is clearly used in Popeye’s cartoons.
Spinach is a vegetable that grows commonly in natural areas, such as along the roadsides, in groves, in deserted forests, in the vegetable and fruit gardens of farmers, etc. In our country, there are many varieties of spinach, but the varieties that are popularly eaten are spinach, garden spinach, learning spinach, and prickly spinach, etc. Spinach has other names, such as spinach (Central), phakhom, phakhom (South), phakhom kliang (Mae Hong Son), kra-moe-lo-ter (Karen, Mae Hong Son).
Important nutrients in spinach
Spinach is rich in a variety of nutrients, both in its leaves and stems, such as:
- Vitamins A, C, K, folate
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Manganese
- Plant protein with lysine amino acid
- Plant fiber
- Antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenes
Benefits of Spinach for the Body
1. Heart health: The potassium in spinach helps control blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease, while antioxidants help reduce inflammation of blood vessels.
2. Weight control: Low calories, high fiber, helps you feel full for a long time, reduces appetite and promotes bowel movements.
3. Prevent anemia: High in iron and vitamin C, helps create hemoglobin, prevents anemia, increases blood circulation efficiency, especially for women, along with vitamin E and folate that help slow down aging, making the skin moist and radiant.
4. Control blood sugar levels: Contains natural substances that help reduce blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Suitable for diabetics or those who want to control their blood sugar levels.
5. Strengthen bones: Rich in calcium and vitamin K, which are necessary for bone formation, prevent osteoporosis, and help maintain joints.
6. Promotes Digestive System: The fiber in spinach helps the intestines move better, prevents constipation, flatulence and balances the microflora in the intestines.
7. Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer: Red spinach, especially containing anthocyanins, helps inhibit cell mutation, reducing the risk of cancer.
8. Nourishes gums and teeth: Calcium and vitamin C help strengthen bones, teeth, and gums, preventing loose teeth or bleeding gums.
Nutritional value (per 100 grams)
- Calcium: 215 milligrams (more than cow’s milk)
- Iron: 4.6 – 8.5 milligrams
- Protein: 1.9 – 2.6 grams (with essential amino acids)
Precautions for eating spinach
- Spinach is high in oxalate, and eating too much can lead to kidney stones.
- It should be blanched or steamed before cooking to reduce oxalate content.
- Avoid taking it with foods high in calcium, such as milk, as it may cause precipitation.
- It should be consumed within one day and should not be stored for too long.
- People who have diarrhea, flatulence or a weak spleen should avoid it because spinach has a cooling effect.