Lutein and Zeaxanthin are antioxidants in
the carotenoid family. They are found in high levels in
spinach and they concentrate in the part of the retina where
macular degeneration occurs. Once there, they protect the
retina from damage caused by sunlight. Harvard researchers
reported that people eating the most Lutein and Zeaxanthin
had a 57 percent decreased risk of macular degeneration,
compared with people eating the least.
At least 13 different flavonoid compounds
in spinach have been identified by researchers. These
compounds function as antioxidants and as anti-cancer
agents. The anti-cancer action of these nutrients has been
sufficiently impressive to prompt researchers to create
specialized spinach extracts that could be used in
controlled studies. These spinach extracts have been shown
to slow down cell division in stomach cancer cells, and in
studies on mice, to reduce skin cancers. A study on adult
women living in New England in the late 1980s also showed
intake of spinach to be inversely related to incidence of
breast cancer.
Another carotenoid found in spinach and
other green leafy vegetables fights human prostate cancer
two different ways, according to research published in the
September 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutrition. The
carotenoid, called neoxanthin, not only induces prostate
cancer cells to self-destruct, but is converted in the
intestines into additional compounds, called neochromes,
which put prostate cancer cells into a state of stasis, thus
preventing their replication.
Spinach can be consumed cooked or raw.
Baby spinach leaves are especially good in salads with bleu
cheese, walnuts, red onions, and a vinaigrette dressing made
with Heart Of Gold. Spinach cooks very quickly and doesn’t
need added water. Just place it in a pan, cover, and simmer
for two to four minutes until it wilts; spinach is also
excellent when steamed or it can be sautéed in olive oil
with garlic for three or four minutes. Spinach is a good
addition to stews and to soups that contain beans, pasta, or
potatoes or to any kind of curry dish.
Don’t have the time to go shopping or to
do the cooking, but still want
to eat your greens?
"MannaFeast" has got you covered! These delicious and
highly nutritious, highly assimilable greens are great
anytime. Enjoy them with water or juice.
