Basella Alba and rubra belonging to the family Basellaceae, Chenopodiaceae known as white basil is also called Indian spinach in some parts of the world.
Spinach is full of nutrients, no mother rich or poor would want her child to miss on it. It contains Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, magnesium, folic acid, manganese, iron, calcium, fibre, copper, protein, phosphorous, zinc, omeg-3 fats, niacin selenium and oxalate.
The oxalate in it prevents the absorption of calcium but promotes the formation of kidney stones in those who have the tendency.
Consumption of spinach helps in—
- Preventing cancer.
- Forming strong bones and teeth.
- A healthy heart due to it’s anti-oxidant properties.
- Osteo arthritis and osteo -porosis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reducing the frequency of migraine.
- Preventing muscular degeneration.
- Night blindness.
- Controlling blood pressure.
- As very good laxative due to the fibre content. It also prevents constipation.
- As a good source of folic acid for the pregnant women.