It can be said that between the two vegetables, spinach is said to be healthier than broccoli as it has high water content, a lesser amount of sugars and is richer in protein, magnesium, Vitamin E, manganese and potassium as compared to broccoli.
1. Spinach. This leafy green tops the chart as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. That's because 1 cup (30 grams) of raw spinach provides 16% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A plus 120% of the DV for vitamin K — all for just 7 calories ( 1 ).
On the other hand, kale crushes spinach when it comes to vitamins K and C, plus it's also lower in calories and richer in heart-healthy flavonoids. These flavonoids are packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. “Truly, you can't go wrong with either choice,” she says.
In general, spinach contains significantly higher amounts of vitamins and minerals. It's a great source of iron, containing 3 times more compared to broccoli. Spinach also contains a considerable amount of manganese, magnesium, potassium, potassium, copper, and zinc.
Leafy Greens
As per kale, cooked leafy greens like spinach, collards and chard (silverbeet) can sub in beautifully when using broccoli as a side.
Spinach. The leafy green is packed with nutrients, but you'll absorb more calcium and iron if you eat it cooked. The reason: Spinach is loaded with oxalic acid, which blocks the absorption of iron and calcium but breaks down under high temperatures.
But spinach has consistently retained its top rank as the superfood to beat all others because it is so dense in nutrients and healthy compounds. Eating spinach daily is linked to lower risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer, three of our nation's greatest chronic diseases.
Spinach is rich in several minerals that your body needs, including potassium. Consuming foods that are high in potassium helps lower your blood pressure. Spinach is an excellent source of lutein, an antioxidant known to protect against age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Spinach has a high antioxidant value. It contains antioxidants like lutein, beta carotene, coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. These antioxidants help prevent chronic illnesses and oxidative damage to the DNA. Lutein and zeaxanthin- two antioxidants loaded in Spinach juice known to protect the health of your eyes.
The second green to make the list, kale is worth the health hype. “Kale provides a good source of potassium along with calcium and vitamins A, B, C, and K,” Palinski-Wade says.
Lemons. Lemons have been widely regarded in the health industry as the world's healthiest food. The sour fruit is an alkalising powerfood; they have strong anti-inflammatory qualities and can even help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Worst Veggie: Starchy Vegetables
Corn, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, and yams are starchy vegetables. However, not all starch vegetables offer the same nutritional benefits.
If you eat spinach every day in excessive amounts (more than a bowl) there can be adverse health effects. Most commonly these include gas, bloating and cramps due to its high fiber content. Eating too much spinach can also interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
Consuming a bowl of spinach every day would help you meet the daily requirements,” the expert says, adding that antioxidants in vitamin C promote “skin healing and prevent premature ageing”. Vitamin A ensures stronger immunity, and its anti-inflammatory action can reduce the inflammation and promote eye health.
Spinach and other leafy green vegetables like kale, lettuce, etc. are great for burning belly fat and are very nutritious as well. There have been some studies done on the subject of the fat burning capabilities of spinach and the very healthy veggie has come out a winner in this category.
Spinach is especially good for the brain because it has a high concentration of an antioxidant called lutein, which helps in cleansing toxins from the brain and prevents age-related mental decline.
Like so many dark green leafy vegetables, spinach is full of amazing nutrients. It has tons of vitamin A, plus iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C. These work together for a healthy scalp and mane. They keep your hair moisturized so it doesn't break.
Kale. Of all the leafy greens, kale is the king. It's loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and various bioactive compounds. Kale is especially high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K1.
The best way to preserve fresh spinach is to keep it dry. For this reason, it's best to not wash your spinach until you are ready to use it. However, if you plan to put it in a salad and want it completely dry in advance, it's okay to wash it a day early.
If leafy greens are not labeled as "pre-washed" or "ready-to-eat," thoroughly wash them under running water just before chopping, cooking or eating.
Fresh spinach leaves are a great source of antioxidant vitamins like vitamin A and C. The dark green leaves of spinach also contain chlorophyll, which helps your colon and liver remove toxins.