Posts Tagged ‘zeaxanthin’
Spinach: excellent source of carotenoid
Perhaps you’ve heard that lutein, an antioxidant, is good for your eyes. It would also play a role in cancer prevention, but this has not yet been confirmed by a large study. Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids which remove free radicals (unstable molecules) from your body before it’s damaging. These carotenoids are found in spinach and other leafy vegetables, dark green, and studies show they may protect cancer of the mouth, esophagus and stomach.
A study of more than 490,000 people found that people who eat more spinach have less risk of developing cancer of the esophagus. Studies also suggest that the carotenoids in spinach and other foods also reduce the risk of cancers of the ovary, endometrium, lung and colorectal cancers.
Add to that the folate and fiber (researchers believe they could reduce the risk of some cancers) and you understand why the leafy dark green cocktails are super nutritious. Folate helps your body produce new cells and repair DNA, and is especially important for women of child bearing age because it may prevent neural tube defects in a developing fetus.
You enjoy the best benefits of lutein contained in spinach if eaten raw or lightly cooked. Enjoy them in salads, steamed, sauteed in garlic with olive oil, or mixed with soup. To change, replace them with kale, cabbage riders, chard or romaine lettuce. Spinach is still the star in this category and is in fact the leaf vegetable most nutrient-dense.