Spinach is an annual plant (annuals) from Tropical America. In its development in Latin America, the spinach was promoted as a plant food source of protein, especially for developing countries. While the spinach as a vegetable commonly known only in East Asia and Southeast Asia, so called in English as Chinese Amaranth.
At the consumer level, there are two kinds of spinach vegetables: spinach and spinach pull quotes. Spinach stringed upright growing broadleaf and large (up to two meters) and young leaves eaten mainly as fresh vegetables (eg pecel, gado-gado), ointment, and fried. Spinach leaves and remove the smaller sized grown for a short time (a maximum of 25 days), more suitable for thin soup made of vegetables such as spinach and vegetable bobor. Spinach quotation is usually derived from the type A. hybridus (spinach snapper) and spinach unplug mainly taken from A. tricolor. Other species are also used is A. spinosus (spinach thorn) and A. blitum
The content of iron in spinach is relatively higher than other leaf vegetables (iron is a constituent of cytochrome, a protein involved in photosynthesis) that is useful for patients with anemia.
Several cultivars of A. tricolor has leaves red or white and used as an ornamental plant, although it can also disayur. Other ornamental plant species is A. caudatus as long bunches of red flowers hang like a tail. In the place of origin, used spinach seeds (spinach seeds) as a source of carbohydrate. These seeds are now also popular as a diet food because it does not cause obesity.
Roots riding spinach is also used as medicine.
These vegetables does look very simple. But did you know that spinach contain nutrients that are complete and essential for our bodies? So far, spinach as one kind of green vegetable that is widely known to be rich in fiber, vitamins, beta carotene, various minerals including iron, it also has high protein content in the leaves and seeds. These vegetables are not only delicious cooked. When processed in a healthy and consumed on a regular basis, some diseases can be prevented and even cured.
According to Marzuki Iskandar, STP, MTP, Lecturer Department of Nutritional Health Polytechnic MOH Jakarta II, the mineral content in spinach is quite high, especially Fe that can be used to prevent fatigue due to anemia. Since the Fe content in spinach is quite high, plus the content of Vitamin B, especially folic acid, anciently spinach is recommended to be consumed by pregnant women and childbirth. Both the mineral iron or folic acid associated with the production of blood so that during delivery, supply the body sufficiently. Because as we know, the birth would spend so much blood and allows the mother's blood loss. Besides spinach are also good consumed by women during menstruation.
Not only that, the content of oxalic acid and folic acid also makes vegetable spinach may help address a variety of diseases. For example treating eczema, asthma, skin care for face, scalp and hair, lower cholesterol, and prevent pain in the gums. But the great benefit is to treat the taste sluggish, tired, and lack of passion as a sign of anemia or anemia.
Spinach is also very good source of protein, particularly amino acids. Spinach is also very good source of protein, particularly amino acids. Spinach has a very important amino acids for the formation of the brain. So, if seen from the composition of the protein, spinach is very good for consumption by children.
In terms of fat, zero cholesterol in spinach, spinach that is safe for consumption without any influence as much as any cholesterol. Fat contained in spinach also includes a good kind of fat, namely saturated fat. Vitamins in spinach is very important, for example vitamine A good for the eyes as well as maintaining the immune system, so people are not susceptible to disease. Vitamine C and E for antioxidant so for those who diligently consume spinach, can have a smooth skin. In addition, antioxidants are also able to prevent free radicals. Then phosphorus can be utilized for the formation of bones and teeth.