Monday, June 25, 2012

Spinach-It may not make your life Spicy but definitely healthy



Origin of Spinach

Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia (modern Iran and neighboring countries). Arab traders carried spinach into India, and then the plant was introduced into ancient China, where it was known as "Persian vegetable".


Nutritional Value:

Spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled. It is a rich source of vitamin A (and especially high in lutein), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, folate, betaine, iron, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, folic acid, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.Spinach, along with other green leafy vegetables,[10] is considered to be a rich source of iron.

Courtesy_Wikipedia

Fun Facts about Spinach
  • In 1533, Catherine de’ Medici, Queen of France at the time, enjoyed spinach so much that she ate it at every meal.  To this day, dishes made with spinach are known as “Florentine” because her birth place was Florence
  • Popeye the Sailor Man is well known for becoming strong by eating spinach.  However, this portrayal was based on incorrect calculations of its iron content.  German scientist Emil von Wolff misplaced a decimal point, making the iron content 10 times more than what it actually is.
Courtesy_http://pumpernickelsdeli.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/fun-food-facts-spinach/

Personal Note:

  • In our family we used to add grated coconut ground with Jeera and red chillis which gives a fantastic flavor and taste to the otherwise bland spinach. We call this Araichu vitta Keerai. You can also add little toor dhal if you want to.
  • Palak Paneer is one of my very favorite north indian dish which goes very well with chappathis and rotis
  • Spinach is good for your hair growth and prevents early greying of hair
  • Manathakkali Keerai is a best cure for stomach ulcers




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