13 Iron Supplements that are Good for the Body

Prickly spinach is a plant that has small thorns on its stems. This plant is often found growing wild in empty land, gardens or roadsides. Even though it is considered a weed, spinach has many health benefits.

Spinach (Amaranthus spinosus L.) is still in the same family as spinach (Amaranthus spp.) which are commonly consumed. Spinach plants have erect, branching stems with sharp spines. The leaves are tapered oval and dark green in color, while the flowers grow in clusters on one stalk.

Spinach is often used as a traditional medicine to treat many diseases. All parts of this plant can be used as medicine, but people more often use the leaves to treat various diseases.

Spinach and its Health Benefits

Spinach leaves contain various plant compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, coumarins and carotenoids. Apart from that, spinach leaves also contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron and calcium.

Thanks to its nutrition, spinach can provide many benefits when consumed, including:

1. Strengthens the body's immunity

Spinach contains vitamin C which can increase the body's immunity, so that the body becomes more resistant to infection and does not get sick easily. This benefit is also supported by antioxidant content which can help reduce inflammation in the body and protect cells from damage due to free radicals. .

2. Increases breast milk production

Spinach has been used for a long time as a breast milk booster. This is because spinach contains high levels of iron, so it can help prevent anemia in breastfeeding mothers.

With sufficient iron levels, the body is more optimal in producing red blood cells, which play a role in smooth blood circulation and distribution of nutrients. Smooth blood flow can support breast milk production better, so that the baby gets sufficient intake.

3. Reduces fever

Spinach has a similar action to paracetamol, namely as an antipyretic which can help reduce fever. The active compounds contained in this plant are known to help regulate body temperature and relieve fever symptoms naturally. 

4. Maintain healthy skin

Spinach also contains vitamin A which helps skin cell turnover and maintains skin moisture. This plant also contains vitamin C which plays a role in collagen production to make skin more elastic and bright. 

Apart from that, the anti-inflammatory properties of spinach can also help relieve irritation or inflammation of the skin, such as acne or wounds.

5. Reduces joint pain

In traditional medicine, spinach is often used as a herbal concoction to reduce pain due to arthritis or rheumatism. This is thanks to the anti-inflammatory compounds in spinach which can help reduce inflammation in the joints.

Apart from that, the calcium and iron content in spinach also plays a role in maintaining bone density and improving blood circulation. As a result, stiffness and pain in the joints can be reduced.

6. Treating malaria

Spinach spinach is known to treat malaria because it contains betacyanins and phenolics. Research shows that this compound can fight the parasites that cause malaria, so it can speed up the treatment of this disease.

7. Prevent and eradicate worms

Spinach has also been used as a traditional medicine in India as a natural remedy for worms. Several studies show that thorn spinach extract has an antiparasitic effect, so it can kill worms. 

However, the effectiveness of spinach as a medicine for worms is not yet clearly known because it has not been studied much. Therefore, you are still advised to take worm medicine to treat worms.

8. Control blood sugar levels

Spinach extract is also known to lower blood sugar levels and keep them stable. This is because spinach is known to contain antioxidants which can optimize the performance of insulin in regulating the stability of blood sugar levels.

However, spinach should not be consumed together with antidiabetic drugs because it has the potential to cause hypoglycemia.

Research on the various benefits of spinach is still limited, so more research is needed to ensure its effectiveness. However, there is no harm in consuming spinach and reaping its benefits.

You can prepare spinach by boiling or sautéing it, brewing it into herbal tea, or consuming it as a side dish.  

If you want to consume spinach as part of your treatment, consult your doctor first. Consultations can be done easily and quickly via Chat with a Doctor.

Label : Healthy living cat_Healthy living