Spinach contains these substances:
- iron
- nitrate
- Vitamins C, A and B.
When does nitrate turn into toxic nitrite?
Many vegetables contain nitrate, which is not toxic to us. The body's own bacteria, reboiling or long storage converts nitrate into poisonous nitrite.
This hinders the transport of oxygen in the body and is considered carcinogenic. For adults, the amount of nitrite produced by storage and rewarming is harmless.
In connection with amino acids, nitrate is converted into carcinogenic nitrosamine. This can be avoided if spinach is not eaten with fish.
Tips for proper preparation and storage
- Always blanch the spinach, this will reduce the nitrate content
- Nitrate goes into the cooking water, so always throw away the spinach water
- Store spinach for a week at most, preferably in the refrigerator
- Let the spinach cool quickly to store
- Reheated spinach is safe if it has been stored in the refrigerator and not again
is boiled
Tips & Tricks
Spinach is digestible for babies if it is only after the age of 5. Month fed and mixed with cereals or carrots. Due to the lower body weight, warmed spinach should be avoided in children, as it can lead to blue rash.
