Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that is considered very healthy because it is full of nutrients and antioxidants. Yesterday and today the weather at my place was a bit cloudy.

Last night it rained in my area. I imagine, it's really good to eat something warm like soup or clear vegetables perfect for cold weather. Finally I decided to make spinach vegetable soup. And all my family members really like it

Everyone knows that spinach contains lots of vitamins which are suitable for health and support activities.

There are many recipes that can be made from spinach. One that I cook is a very simple dish and uses simple spices too. There are red and green chilies that I have chopped, shallots, tomatoes and kaffir lime leaves for fragrance.

But, you need to remember that there are benefits contained in spinach and there are also disadvantages in spinach. If we lack information about processing and when consuming these vegetables, it will be dangerous for health

For basic information, cooked spinach should be consumed immediately and not for 4-5 hours. And this vegetable can also be heated. Because it contains nitrite compounds that are toxic levels will continue to increase.

And, spinach that is purchased must also be processed immediately, the longer the spinach is stored, including in the refrigerator.

Don't eat too much spinach because consuming too much spinach at one time or over a period of time can have a toxic effect on the body. Then, consuming spinach in excess also causes stomach problems such as gas, bloating, and cramps, spinach can also cause stomach problems because of its high fiber content.

Consuming too much spinach can lower blood pressure. Spinach can push blood pressure down to its lowest point, causing dizziness, nausea, or chest pain.

And remember also scientifically, Spinach contains oxalic acid which can react with calcium in soybeans, this reaction can form insoluble deposits in the intestines. So, spinach should not be consumed together with soy-based foods.

Consuming spinach in moderation and not excessive will get the benefits. Because spinach contains vitamins that are good for the body

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for vitamin C intake is 45 milligrams per day. Therefore, eating spinach is very good to meet vitamin C intake and get health benefits.

1. Prevents oxidative stress

The researchers summarized the benefits of spinach based on its phytochemical activity and bioactive compounds. They state that substances derived from spinach can reduce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disease.

2. Help prevent cancer

Spinach contains beta carotene and vitamin C which serves as a protector against the development of cancer cells. Another study by Texas A&M University in the journal "Gut Microbes" found that spinach could inhibit the growth of polyps in people with nongenetic or genetic colon cancer.

3. Overcoming diabetes

The American Diabetes Association recommends spinach as a food for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Research in the journal "Food & Nutrition Research" concludes, inorganic nitrates in spinach serve to reverse the pathological features of insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction.

4. Lowering blood pressure

Spinach is a natural source of nitrates, which are compounds that open blood vessels to increase blood flow and ease the workload on the heart.

The potassium in spinach relaxes the walls of blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and protecting against muscle cramps.

5. Good for pregnant women

Spinach is a vegetable for pregnant women that has many nutrients. Spinach is very important and useful for increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women who have mild anemia.

Spinach contains iron which can smooth the blood. The need for folic acid in pregnancy is quite large. That's because folic acid can help the fetus prevent neural tube defects in early pregnancy.

Spinach is a food source that contains high folic acid.

6. Lose weight

Spinach extract can cause weight loss if taken regularly for several months. The way it works is by suppressing appetite. lose weight because it includes low-calorie foods. In 3.5 ounces of raw spinach contains only 23 calories.

7. Bone health

Spinach is known to be rich in various vitamins, including vitamin K. Consumption of vitamin K is very good for bones because it acts as a modifier of bone matrix protein, increases calcium absorption, and can reduce the amount of calcium that leaves the body.

This makes vitamin K associated with a lower risk of fractures.

Quoted from Live Science, The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends eating spinach because of its vitamin K and magnesium content.

8. Prevent asthma

Spinach is also known to have a high beta-carotene content. This compound can help asthma sufferers reduce the symptoms they experience.

Because these green vegetables also contain magnesium. Magnesium can be an effective emergency treatment for asthma attacks.

9. Eye health

Spinach is a good source of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.

Both of these compounds are associated with helping prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts

Spinach basically contains a lot of antioxidants, vitamins (A, K, C, Folate), minerals (iron, manganese) and fiber. Unfortunately, these nutrients are very perishable. Therefore, it is recommended to buy spinach that is still fresh