It is rare to find a child who did not get badgering from his/her parents for eating spinach. This green leafy vegetable is also seen as a synonym for healthy food. Without any single doubt, spinach has innumerable health benefits such as improving eye health, lowering blood pressure, fulfilling iron deficiency etc.
But did you know that eating spinach in excess may have some ill effects? Experts say that any food taken in excess can have a negative effect on health and spinach is no exception. To obtain the maximum benefit from spinach you must consume it in optimum amount. Further ahead, we will tell you about the side effects of spinach. But before that, know
What are the benefits of spinach?
Spinach is undoubtedly a superfood. The amount of calories in it is very less. It is packed with healthy nutrients and benefits our health in multiple ways. Spinach is rich in essential minerals and vitamins like calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamins A, C and K. Adding this leafy vegetable to your diet can help reduce the risk of cancer, manage blood sugar levels, maintain good health, and help you lose weight. Spinach is one of the best options to increase the hemoglobin level in the blood. Moreover, spinach has a low glycemic index, it can also help you manage diabetes.
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Now, side-effects of consuming more spinach:
- Even though spinach is rich in nutrients, the oxalic acid present in it is a naturally occurring compound in plants. When the amount of oxalic acid in the body becomes more than normal, it starts affecting the body’s ability to absorb other minerals. Oxalic acid binds with zinc, magnesium and calcium, causing mineral deficiencies in the body.
- A good amount of fiber is found in spinach. Due to the high fiber content, spinach can cause stomach problems like gas, bloating and cramps.
- Green leafy vegetables contain histamine. It is a chemical found in some cells of the body, which in some cases causes allergic reactions.
- People who have kidney stones are advised not to eat spinach. When the body becomes incapable of removing excessive oxalic acid, calcium oxalate stone gets deposited in the kidney, which is responsible for increasing the problem of stones in the kidney.
- Along with oxalic acid, spinach also contains purine. Along with oxalic acid, these two compounds can trigger gout. For those who are already suffering from joint pain, inflammation, consuming more spinach can make the symptoms worse.
- Due to the abundance of vitamin K in spinach, it reacts with blood thinners. Therefore, if you are taking blood thinners, diabetic patients or are prone to kidney stones, then you should avoid eating spinach.
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