Spinach – The Amazing Superfood That Fights Diabetes

Spinach has been forever associated with the famous cartoon character Popeye, and whenever Popeye would eat his spinach, he would have super-strength. Although he is a fictional character, there is definitely a connection between spinach and the amazing vitamin power that it contains.

Spinach is considered a superfood because it is packed with Vitamin K, Iron, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Calcium, B Vitamins, Zinc, and Folic Acid. That’s a whole lot of vitamins and nutrients for one green leafy vegetable, and it certainly packs a lot of punch!

The Amazing Health Benefits of Spinach

Picture courtesy of wikipedia

Spinach originated in the Middle East, and Arabians used this superfood many centuries ago to treat lung and throat infections, as well as other illnesses. Fresh spinach leaves contain a multitude of antioxidants, and studies have shown that spinach is an anticarcinogen.

Spinach is part of the chenopod family, which also includes beets and quinoa, and this particular food family is known to have a specific connection between the phytonutrients they contain and nervous system health in humans.

It is a well-known fact that 1 in 10 individuals in the US have the chance of developing type-2 diabetes. Diet plays an important role in preventing this ailment, as well as assists individuals that have already been diagnosed.

Spinach is packed with magnesium, and in patients with diabetes, it works to improve their overall blood sugar levels. One cup of spinach contains 156.60 mg of magnesium, and individuals that up their spinach intake are giving their bodies just what they need to curb their symptoms, as well as prevent diabetes from ever developing.

Spinach intake also promotes weight loss, and many diabetics have issues with obesity. By adding spinach to their diets, they can attack diabetes in two different ways. One, by adding the extra magnesium into their systems that will assist with strengthening the body and improving blood sugar levels, and two, by losing the weight that is contributing to their affliction.

Delicious Ways to Eat and Prepare Spinach

Hashbrowns & Spinach Pie | Mini Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups | Quinoa and Spinach Fritters | Chicken Florentine Bake

While Popeye preferred to eat his spinach straight from the can, there are many different ways to prepare and enjoy this delicious superfood in order to enjoy its taste as well as its health benefits.

Spinach juice is easy to prepare and makes the perfect morning drink or mid-day energy boost. Simply blend together fresh spinach leaves, lime juice, and an apple for extra flavor using a blender or a juicer. This vitamin packed drink will give you energy and stamina, and all the while it will be working internally to combat fatigue, balance out blood sugar levels, and strengthen the body.

A baby spinach and cranberry salad is a healthy lunch alternative that is easy to prepare and packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Baby spinach has the same nutritional value as regular spinach, and can be added to sandwiches, pasta dishes, and even as a potato topper.

Sautéed spinach with garlic is also a delicious treat. Garlic is one of the healthiest foods in the world, as it lowers cholesterol levels and helps with circulation. Simply saute the two ingredients together with virgin coconut oil for two minutes, and voila! You have yourself a delicious and nutritious meal.

Spinach makes a great partner to artichokes, and spinach and artichoke dip is an all-time favorite of many. Although it is delicious, it does contain a lot of cheese, and a diabetic that is watching their caloric and fat intake may want to try an alternative version of fresh spinach and artichokes topped with olive oil or a low fat salad dressing. Same delicious taste, minus the fat and calories!

What to Look For When Purchasing Spinach

Fresh spinach can be purchased frozen, in bags, or in bunches. It is always in season, and it can also be purchased in cans. Canned spinach offers the same vitamins and health benefits as fresh spinach, and it is commonly used in cooking.

When purchasing fresh spinach, it is always a good idea to look for leaves that are bright green and tender. Leaves that have a gritty feeling to them or that have a yellowish color should be avoided. Over ripe spinach will have a bitter taste and a hard, firm, texture.

Spinach can be purchased at the local grocery store as well as organic or specialty markets. Farmers markets also sell delicious home grown spinach, and they tend to have the best quality at the lowest price.

At a standard grocery store, spinach costs about $3.32 per pound and one can of spinach costs around $1.19. Frozen spinach costs around $1.25 per box. Organic markets may sell spinach at a slightly higher price, but it is usually within this range.

Once you get your spinach home, it is important to wash and store it properly in order for it to maintain its freshness. Fresh spinach stored in the refrigerator should be used within 1-2 days, and frozen spinach can last up to six months.

To store fresh spinach in the refrigerator, wash the spinach with cold water and place in the crisper. Spinach can also be wrapped and stored in the main refrigeration area.

If you are looking to freeze your spinach, you will want to first wash the spinach, and then trim any leaves that are attached to the stalks. You will then need to blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1 minute. Blanching spinach in smaller qualities works best. Once you have boiled the spinach, you will then transfer the spinach into a container of iced water and let it sit for 1 minute. Once this step is taken, simply drain the spinach and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. When the thirty minutes have passed, you will then take the spinach and transfer it into plastic bags. After the air is removed and the bags are properly sealed, you can then store your spinach for up to six months.

By knowing what to look for when purchasing fresh spinach and taking some easy steps to store it properly, you can enjoy this amazing superfood on a daily basis and contribute greatly to your health and wellness.

Let’s Get Personal

Is there a diabetes conspiracy?

I hinted in my previous article, that the medical industry is almost fanatical about treating symptoms, not problems.

But today, I want to break it down for you.

Don’t worry – you can put your tin foil hat away.

I’m going to break things down for you, so you can see exactly why you haven’t heard of the diabetes reversal.

It’s not really a conspiracy… but, it is… kinda.

You’ve probably noticed – your diabetes is expensive.

You have to buy a lot of supplies to maintain your health.

Insulin, strips, monitors, syringes… the list goes on and on.

And, chances are, you’ve also bought diabetes related food supplements, recipe books, etc.

Diabetes is a cash cow.

If there was suddenly a cure for diabetes, that used mostly household items, and took just a few weeks…

…where would all that money go?

An entire industry would evaporate.

I can’t say for sure.

But I strongly feel this is the main reason why hardly anyone knows about diabetes reversal.

Most diabetics are content to believe their doctors, and continue treating symptoms.

Now… are the doctors all in on this?

Are they evil? Are they money hungry?

Some of them, maybe.

But I feel that most healthcare workers are good people, with good hearts.

They’re just trying to put food on the table, and they genuinely care about their patients.

Also, keep in mind that patients are demanding treatment for symptoms.

They show up to the doctor, and they want their symptoms gone yesterday! They want a quick-fix pill.

Even though diabetes reversal exists, it’s not exactly easy to do.

That being said, it’s not altogether too difficult.

It’s much easier, in the long run, than actually having diabetes.

But, many people would rather be content right now, than happy in the long run.

Even if a lot of people knew about diabetes reversal, I’m not convinced everyone would do it.

(Although I do think millions would.)

So is there a conspiracy?

I’m in the air about it.

I think there has to be, since so few people know about diabetes reversal.

But I don’t think it’s as widespread as I thought it was at first.

And, I know that as more people find out about diabetes reversal, more people are going to actually do it.

Already, thousands of people have done it successfully.

That kind of news isn’t going to be under wraps for too much longer.

Diabetes can be tolerable… but it can also be cured.

Find out how by clicking here.

Charles W. James

P.S. In the next article, we’re going to break down the science of diabetes, and exactly how diabetes reversal works.