Cooked or raw? Here’s the healthiest way to eat spinach to get maximum nutrition

Spinach is one of the healthiest leafy vegetables. It is often recommended to add spinach to your daily diet, especially in winter. Spinach, also known as palak, is commonly used to prepare curries. Some people add it to pasta and salad. However, not consuming spinach correctly can affect its nutritional value. As you know, the cooking method affects the amount of nutrients in the food. Similarly, spinach also needs to be consumed in the right way to retain all the essential nutrients.

In an Instagram video, nutritionist Namami Agarwal shared 3 common mistakes to avoid when consuming spinach. Let’s take a look at these.

Avoid these mistakes when consuming spinach

1. Do not eat raw

Namami has mentioned in the explanation of this video that eating raw spinach can help in the formation of kidney stones. He explained that spinach contains oxalic acid, which can interfere with the absorption of minerals such as calcium and iron. Oxalic acid forms crystals when it binds with calcium. Therefore, eating raw spinach can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

Eating raw spinach can increase the risk of kidney stones
Photo credit: iStock

2. Do not overcook

On the other hand, overcooking spinach can result in nutrient loss. It can drain all the calcium in it.

3. Don’t make smoothies

Incorporating spinach into smoothies is a common practice these days. However, many don’t realize that blending spinach leaves can break down the fiber and remove the oxalic acid it contains.

What is the correct way to cook spinach?

The nutritionist recommends to cook the spinach a little.

He points out that lightly cooked spinach contains all the vital nutrients with limited oxalic acid.

Undercooked spinach can provide you with maximum nutrients
Photo credit: iStock

Let’s take a look at some of the notable health benefits of eating spinach:

• Spinach is rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, folic acid and more.
• Contains antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress
• Spinach can help boost eye health and regulate blood pressure numbers
• Spinach is also rich in fiber, which can aid in digestion and weight loss

So this winter, don’t miss out on these amazing benefits of spinach and consume it properly.

Disclaimer: This content includes advice and provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.