Tag: Health benefits of spinach

A single cup of cooked spinach contains over 800 milligrams of potassium, making it a surprisingly potent source of this essential mineral. So, is spinach rich in K? The answer is a definitive yes, particularly when prepared correctly to maximize its nutritional density.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cooked spinach provides more absorbable calcium, iron, and protein compared to its raw counterpart. Many consider spinach a 'superfood' due to its incredible density of vitamins and minerals, and understanding how cooking impacts its nutritional profile is key to maximizing its health benefits.

While raw spinach has an acidic pH on its own, it has a significant alkaline-forming effect on the body after digestion. This phenomenon is measured by the potential renal acid load (PRAL) scale, which confirms that spinach is definitively alkaline-forming.

A 100-gram serving of raw spinach contains approximately 2.9 grams of protein, a higher percentage of protein relative to its calorie count than many other vegetables. This has led many to wonder: are spinach leaves high in protein, and can they be a significant source in a healthy diet?