Red Spinach Benefits for Healthy Circulation

Red spinach is a nutrient-packed superfood that has gained popularity in recent years due to its many potential health benefits. This leafy red colored “green” is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being. Of particular note are the red spinach benefits for healthy circulation, as it has been shown to boost nitric oxide production and support healthy blood flow throughout the body.

In this article, we will explore a variety of red spinach benefits, including its potential to support exercise performance, circulation, energy and more. So, if you're looking to boost your daily physical and mental performance and support your overall health, read on to learn more about red spinach benefits.

What is Red Spinach?

Red spinach (amaranthus dubius) is a crimson red and sometimes variegated red-green leafy vegetable that is commonly found in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. This plant is not directly related to the more commonly known green spinach. Its distinct red color is due to its high concentration of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that gives many fruits and vegetables their red, blue, and purple hues.

Fresh red spinach is known for its rich nutritional profile, as it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron. It is also rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Fresh red spinach is also a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining digestive health and promoting feelings of fullness and satiety. Additionally, it is low in calories, making it a great addition to a healthy diet for weight management.

The Ancient Origins of Red Spinach and its Role in Asian Cultures

Red spinach has a long history of use in Asian cultures for its health-promoting properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, red spinach has been used for centuries to promote energy, digestion, and overall health and well-being. In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant is believed to have cooling and detoxifying properties and has been used to manage high body temperatures.

The Many Benefits of Red Spinach

Red spinach is a superfood that offers many potential health benefits; however, this section will primarily focus on red spinach benefits for healthy circulation. Red spinach is high in nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps to relax blood vessels and support healthy blood flow, which may have a positive impact on a healthy heart.

Since red spinach is known for its ability to boost nitric oxide production and support healthy circulation, it also improves exercise performance. In fact, several studies have found that supplementing with red spinach increases nitric oxide levels and improves endurance during physical activity.

As people age, nitric oxide production in the body naturally declines, which can contribute to a variety of health issues. However, some research suggests that supplementation with red spinach may be particularly beneficial for older adults.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that nitric oxide-mediated endothelial function decreases with age, leading to impaired vascular health. However, some research suggests that supplementation with red spinach may support older adults.

Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Gerontology found that short-term dietary nitrate supplementation, such as that provided by red spinach, supported healthy blood pressure, oxygen uptake kinetics, and muscle and cognitive function in older adults. These results suggest that red spinach may help support healthy circulation and overall health in older individuals.

In addition to its potential benefits for healthy circulation and exercise performance, red spinach may also have positive effects on vision and brain function. The antioxidants and flavonoids found in red spinach have been shown to protect against oxidative stress, which can contribute to age-related cognitive decline and vision problems.

A study published in the journal of Food Science and Human Wellness found that red spinach improved cognitive function and reduced oxidative stress. Similarly, another study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology also showed that red spinach extract protected against oxidative stress and improved cognitive function. These findings suggest that red spinach has potential as a natural therapeutic agent for supporting age-related cognitive decline.

What You Need to Know About Red Spinach Extract

Red spinach extract is a functional food made from the red spinach plant. It is produced by concentrating the nitrates and other natural beneficial compounds. The resulting extract is then dehydrated into a powder for use as daily support of general health and sports endurance.

Consuming red spinach in a concentrated extract is a convenient way to boost nitric oxide while receiving the plentiful benefits of the superfood. It can be easily incorporated into your daily routine making it an ideal choice for individuals who are always on the go.

Easy Ways to Add Red Spinach to Your Diet

Incorporating red spinach into your diet is easy and can provide many health benefits. As a convenient whole-food red spinach powder, it can be added to smoothies, juices, and other drinks or added to recipes.

The Red Spinach Takeaway

In conclusion, the benefits of red spinach are extensive, making it a highly nutritious superfood for a healthy lifestyle. Its high content of nitrates, vitamins, and antioxidants makes it a valuable addition to your daily dietary needs. Red spinach has been shown to have potential benefits for improving athletic performance, promoting healthy circulation and supporting cognitive function.

In particular, the high nitrate in red spinach benefits healthy circulation and general health. Incorporating red spinach into your diet is an easy and convenient way to reap the many benefits of this superfood.

References:

Napoli C, Paolisso G, Casamassimi A, et al. Effects of Nitric Oxide on Cell Proliferation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013 Jul, 62 (2) 89–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2013.03.070

Kelly J, Fulford J, Vanhatalo A, Blackwell JR, French O, Bailey SJ, Gilchrist M, Winyard PG, Jones AM. Effects of short-term dietary nitrate supplementation on blood pressure, O2 uptake kinetics, and muscle and cognitive function in older adults. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2013 Jan 15;304(2):R73-83. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00406.2012. Epub 2012 Nov 21. PMID: 23174856.

Sengupta, S., et al. "Red spinach alleviates cognitive decline and oxidative stress in aged rats." Food Science and Human Wellness, vol. 10, 2021, pp. 362-370. doi: 10.1016/j.fshw.2021.05.002.

Tocharus, J., et al. "Neuroprotective effects of red spinach extract on cognitive deficits and oxidative stress induced by d-galactose in mice." Food and Chemical Toxicology, vol. 90, 2016, pp. 210-216. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.02.018.