- HubPages»
- Health»
- Nutrition
Spinach Juice: Health Benefits of Juicing Spinach
What are the health benefits of juicing spinach?
The health benefits of juicing spinach are many. Spinach is full of valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If you are not a big fan of the flavor of spinach you may be surprised to know the flavor of spinach juice is not very strong or unpleasant. In addition, learning creative ways to blend spinach juice with other fruits and vegetables will not only improve the flavor, but it will add valuable vitamins, minerals as well as pack a powerful punch of nutritional value to your meals. Plus, let’s not forget the treasure of antioxidants in these wonderful concoctions.
Chlorophyll is another benefit of drinking spinach juice. Spinach contains approximately 300-600 milligrams of chlorophyll per ounce. Chlorophyll has been found to be beneficial in increasing oxygen intake in blood. It neutralizes free radicals and therefore aids in deterring some cancers.
Ideas and things to consider - The fact is, spinach may not be the first choice for many consumers, many do not like the taste of spinach. However, study after study proves that green leafy vegetables are an extremely valuable addition to our diets. Spinach juice is a great alternative. Consider the following ways to creatively add spinach juice to your daily meals.
Ideas for using spinach juice
- smoothies
- juice blends
- sauces
- gravies
- soups
Vitamins and Minerals in Spinach and their Benefits
What are the minerals in spinach juice?
Minerals in spinach juice include magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and even calcium. Additional minerals in spinach are potassium, zinc, iodine, and copper.
So why are the minerals in spinach juice necessary? Let's take a look at the various benefits.
Phosphorous – Phosphorous is wonderful for supporting strong bones and teeth by aiding in the absorption and use of calcium in the body.
Iron - Iron is excellent for supporting blood health and directly aids in the prevention of anemia.
Magnesium – Magnesium is an important element in supporting muscle and nerve function. Magnesium also aids in maintaining healthy bone structure, keeps heart rhythm steady and supports the immune system. Magnesium is also known to promote normal blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels.
Calcium – Spinach is a great way to add calcium to your meals. This is a wonderful alternative for those that have a dairy free diet. Calcium is a necessary component for maintaining and supporting strong bones and teeth.
Potassium - Potassium is essential for heart function, muscle contraction and supports digestive function. Did you know potassium is an electrolyte? Electrolytes are essential for normal cell and organ function.
Zinc - Zinc is vital in making insulin. Insulin is needed in regulating glucose levels in the blood. Zinc also assists in removing harmful toxins and promotes a healthy immune system.
Iodine - Iodine is important for proper hormone development. Inadequate amounts of iodine can negatively affect the thyroid.
Copper - Copper has anti-microbial properties and aids in preventing infection.
Spinach, Carrot and Apple Juice
What are the vitamins in spinach juice?
Vitamins in spinach include vitamin C, A, E, K, B1, B2, B6 and Folic Acid.
Let's take a look at why these vitamins are an important addition to your diet.
Vitamin C - important for tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can block damage of certain free radicals.
Vitamin A - maintains healthy cells, particularly those which make up the eye. It also assists in supporting a healthy mucous membrane. This is vital in helping these mucous structures fight infection.
Vitamin E - important in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects our tissues from free-radical damage. It also assists in maintaining an overall healthy cell membrane.
Vitamin K - is a fat soluble vitamin. Vitamin K is essential in the effective process of blood clotting. Vitamin K aids in building strong bones and the prevention of heart disease.
B1, B2, B6 - are vital in converting foods to energy. B1 and B2 are thiamin, which aids in producing enzymes and energy. B6 is pyridoxine and is used by the body to break down protein and maintain the health of red blood cells.
Folic Acid - Folic Acid is part of the B complex set. It is necessary for cell growth and division. Folic aids in the prevention of anemia by aiding in the healthy production of red blood cells.
Weights and Measurements for Juicing Spinach
How much spinach do you need for juicing?
Approximately one pound of fresh spinach can produce just under 4 ounces of juice. Therefore, 1 pound of raw spinach gives you about 1/2 a cup of spinach juice.
I have created a measurement table below. These measurements are approximate and can vary based on the juice the spinach yields and the quality of your juicer.
Remember, low speeds are best when juicing spinach and other leafy vegetables.
Spinach needed for juicing
Fresh Raw Spinach
| Juice Produced (approximate)
|
|---|---|
1 pound
| 1/2 cup
|
2 pounds
| 1 cup
|
3 pounds
| 1 1/2 cups
|
4 pounds
| 2 cups
|
Tips for Juicing Spinach
Juicing spinach is easier if you follow these tips.
- Ball up a handful of spinach before pushing it into your juicer's feeder.
- Combine the spinach with a non leafy item such as a carrot or apple.
- Adjust the juicer speed to low. This will assist the blades in effectively capturing the leaf and producing a greater yield of juice.
Spinach can be blended as a smoothie too!
Try my spinach juice smoothie recipe!
Healthy Spinach Juice Smoothie Recipe If you want to find a creative and tasty way to add spinach to your diet a spinach smoothie may be your answer. You will be pleasantly surprised by the taste.
Additional Healthy Hubs by MissOlive
Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice Tart Cherry Juice is rich in potassium and antioxidants - Studies are showing incredible benefits in nutrition, muscle health and cellular armor against various cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Why not sleep better, feel better and live better? Pour yourself a glass of tart cherry juice and celebrate a healthier life.
100 Matcha Recipes Recipes include everything from matcha eggnog, matcha cookies, matcha smoothies, matcha brownies to matcha martinis!
A Very Healthy Smoothie - blueberries, tart cherry juice & matcha How would you like to meet your antioxidant ORAC recommendations, get your daily vitamin & mineral needs, have a caffeine boost, improve mental alertness, get a dose of melatonin, and please your taste buds in one smoothie? Click the link for this easy and tasty recipe.
Health Benefits of Matcha - Green Tea Powder A variety of sites claim that just one cup of matcha tea is equivalent to 10 cups of regular steeped green tea. After my research, I can see why. The health benefits of matcha tea far exceed those of regular green tea. When you drink matcha you ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water. What is inside the leaves is very impressive and beneficial to our health. - MissOlive
Benefits of Blueberries - Diet & Health Blueberries are a wonderful fruit full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Its health benefits are amazingly beneficial in reducing fats, chomping down on free radicals, combating negative metabolic issues, promoting improved insulin levels, supporting ocular health and warding off diseases and cancers. I told you it was amazing! Read my article to see what I have found. Includes links to respective clinical studies.
© 2012 Marisa Hammond Olivares
Related
Comments
I always wondered why the Health Food Stores charge the prices they do for a 16oz. bottle of Juiced Spinach! Now I know how much veggie is used per ounce.
- Author
Thank you Samprita, I greatly appreciate it.
Spinach is one of the healthiest vegetables indeed.... Nice article... Sharing it so that more people learn about it and make this vegetable a part of their regular diet!!!
- Author
Sushma Webber, hi there! Thanks for the tip on about spinach helping alkalize the body. I've been wanting to do a mother juice fast myself. Thank you for reading and commenting, it is greatly appreciated.
Spinach was one of the main ingredients when I tried out a 7-day juice fast. Thanks for this comprehensive article on the benefits of Spinach, especially having it in the form of juice. Spinach helps to alkalize the body too.
- Author
grosiramazonplus, thank you very much
very nice share
- Author
word55, oh my goodness, what a beautiful and uplifting comment. You are too kind! I'm pleased to know you juice daily, many should follow your example. Thank you for your readership and supportive words. May God bless you too!
Hello missolive, You hold the potions to everlasting life. You're a blessing to your family and anybody you come in contact with. I juice daily and am glad I came across you. You expend your knowledge very well. You're worth more than any weight of gold! God bless you! :-)
- Author
AvineshP, thank you very much, I appreciate your comment and support. I hope you have added more spinach to your diet. Cheers!
I wasn't aware of the benefits of spinach juice, this hub has really proved beneficial in making me aware of its benefits.
Thanks and keep posting such informative hubs.
- Author
Thank you very much project, I appreciate your comment.
Great hub! Thank you.
- Author
Peggy W, hello! This lovely comment of yours just slipped right through my comment notifications - oops! I sincerely thank you for including the link to your hub, those Hors d'oeuvres sound awesome! Thank you for reading, commenting and voting, it is greatly appreciated.
Troyangeluk, great question! Mixing with fruits can greatly improve the flavor and sweetness of spinach juice. I tend to use agave to sweeten juices and smoothies.
Choleslo, I'm glad you liked it and found it informative.
Hi Missolive,
Nice article I have read some good stuff here. Thanks for sharing this information.
hey, this caught my eye because I'm currentley trying to become healthier, do you have any suggestions for making this sweet?
I loved this hub that you did on the health benefits of juicing spinach that I added it as a link in my latest recipe hub titled Spinach Balls ~ The Perfect Bite Sized Hors d'oeuvre. It will make a nice addition. Voted up, useful, interesting and will share.
- Author
dwachira, thank you so much. I enjoy spinach myself. Choosing how to enjoy it is not always easy. Spinach juicing is a nice alternative though. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I like spinach and especially when they are fresh, am glad to learn more benefits of spinach here. Thanks.
- Author
healthylife2, spinach smoothies are a great way to include spinach in our diets. Glad to hear you are having this daily. I'm sure you are enjoying the many wonderful health benefits. Thank you for reading and commenting. It is greatly appreciated.
very comprehensive article on spinach. I put three cups in my smoothie daily because of the numerous health benefits.
- Author
molometer, Popeye rocks! I loved that cartoon character. You know, spinach juice was one of those things I was not too convinced about and was pleasantly surprised. I'm glad you found it interesting and I appreciate your votes.
Great information Marissa,
I too grew up on Popeye cartoons and love spinach. Never had it as a juice though. Will give it a try after reading your hub on the health benefits of juicing spinach.
Voted up and interesting.
- Author
techygran - Thank you, I'm glad to provide this information for you. I appreciate the votes and the tweet :)
Another super hub, Miss Olive... thank you for all the information that will surely promote good health! Voted up, interesting, useful and also tweeted the article!
- Author
Nana, yes, you are correct. There is a difference between juicing and smoothies. Some consumers do not like the whole leaf in their smoothies so they juice the spinach first and mix it with other ingredients - just like you described. That is a great point, that juice enters the blood stream more quickly. Beets are great too! Thank you for sharing your approach to juicing and creating smoothies.
Just wanted to say that there is a difference between juicing and a smoothie. Juicing goes right to the blood stream with little effort from the intestines. I smoothie for lunch with fruit, mostly berries and banana, a handful if greens and a protein powder. And juice the spinach, kale with carrots and apples in the evening. Might add a bit if ginger and beets but it makes the juice spicy. Breakfast I stick to oatmeal or boiled eggs with my green tea.
- Author
techygran - thank you very much. I appreciate your comment, votes and tweets :)
lovely comprehensive hub on the health benefits AND how to juice spinach. Thanks! Voting you up and tweeting...
- Author
Sharyn's Slant - Hi! Thank you! Spinach Dip YUM! I've been having more spinach in my salads as well. Now with the warmer weather approaching I'll be enjoying salads more. Glad you stopped by - Thanks! :)
Excellent article MO! I wish I liked spinach but I really don't EXCEPT in unhealthy spinach dip. But, more recently, when I am having a salad, I try to add spinach to the "not so healthy" lettuce that I like. Juicing seems like an excellent alternative to get all those benefits from spinach. Thanks for all the great info.
Sharyn
- Author
The taste of spinach smoothies was a pleasant surprise for me. Juicing spinach with apples and carrots are a great combination, but if you'd like a smoothie you can add more fruits. I like adding blueberries and bananas. I have a spinach smoothie hub if you are interested. Thank you for your comment and for your consideration.
I've recently cut my rice intake significantly and have contemplated having a juice diet. Does the spinach smoothie taste great? I was thinking of just juicing fruits but now that you've mentioned that even vegees could be juiced, I'll consider this.
- Author
rosika - Spinach is very healthy. I've been trying to at least have a spinach salad everyday if not a smoothie. I'm happy to hear you value the benefits as well. Thanks for the lovely comment and vote.
I have been eating spinach and most of the time it is in my shopping list, not because I love it, but because it is healthy...Glad to know that it has so many other health benefits that I didn't know!...Interesting one, voted up!
- Author
H.C Porter - Hi Holly, Thank you! I have to admit I was a bit squeamish about this idea, but I gave it a try to I am REALLY glad I did. The spinach juice when prepared with apples and carrots is actually sweet and tasty. You can also blend it into smoothies with fruit and you won't even know it is there. Thanks for the compliment on the hub design and layout. :)
biancaalice - I'm happy you came by Bianca. If you blend the fruit with a handful of spinach it will taste fine. Try it as a juice or as a smoothie. Either way, the benefits are undeniable.
celebrite - Hi! Spinach salads are great. Juicing the spinach just opens up doors for other opportunities to reap the health benefits of spinach. I'm thrilled to spot you on my hub. You have always been a great supporter and I want you to know I appreciate it. :)
I never tried juicing spinach but I like to have fresh spinach leaves on my salads.
Wow that's interesting. I love spinach but this is a new way to get your daily dose. I ususally only blend fruit but I'll give this one a whirl.
Voted up & interesting!
Nice Job MissOlive... can not say that I have ever thought about juicing spinach before now, but I may just give it a try after reading this wonderful hub! Love the design layout as well as the awesome info...voted up for sure1
- Author
Hunbebel Meer - Thank you! Happy to share and I'm especially glad to hear you likes the design.
amberid - Ohhhh a Big Boss Blender sounds awesome. I'm sure you'll be whipping up all kinds of goodies. It sounds perfect for blending up some healthy spinach. Thank you for reading and for your lovely comment.
excellent hub! I love spinach and knew it was good for you, but for many more reasons than I thought. My husband just got me a Big Boss blender for my birthday and I am patiently awaiting its arrival, so I can juice some spinach!
Brilliant hub, Missolive. I did not that there are so many benefits of it. Thank you for sharing such an informative hub.
P.S: It was beautifully designed as well. Thumbs up! :)
- Author
Ruchira - your recipes sound great! I was a bit squeamish too at first, but I'm glad I found an alternative. Thank you for reading.
cclitgirl - Give it a try! Glad you are considering it. Try it...try it! :)
randomcreative - they are actually pretty good. I hope I've inspired you. Glad you stopped by.
Robin - Hi! I like the idea of frozen spinach. This would keep the smoothie nice and cold and I don't have to worry about fresh raw spinach going bad. My smoothie variation with berries may be just the right variation for your children. Thank you for stopping by to read and comment. Let me know how the taste test goes. :)
Melovy - You are quite welcome. mmmmm spinach lasagna sounds great! Yum! With all your wonderful recipes I bet you'd be a pro at whipping up a tasty spinach smoothie your kids would love.
Marcy Goodfleisch - Hi Marcy! I'm glad you liked the table. I was hoping it would make the measurements a bit easier for my readers to follow. Thanks for mentioning it. Thank you for the votes and comments. I greatly appreciate it.
theclevercat - Getting creative in the kitchen has always been fun for me. I'm thinking of blending spinach into my homemade spaghetti sauce. I'm glad to hear you will try the smoothies. Thanks for the comment and votes.
Doc Sonic - Popeye! A cartoon after MissOlive's heart! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoy spinach and that you agree with the benefits. I appreciate your comment and votes.
allisaroberts - LOL My husband thought I was pretty crazy as well. I did manage to have him taste test my recipes and he liked it! I'm glad you tried it as well. Thanks for reading, commenting and voting. :)
- Author
mattforte - I'm glad to hear you no longer FEAR spinach. Spinach salads are great and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of spinach juice. Of course I mixed it with lots of fruits. :)
RealHousewife - Hi Kelly! Spinach salad with vinaigrette is also one of my favs. I love doing research on healthy foods and I'm always pleasantly surprised to learn more. Thanks for stopping by. :)
Anamika - mmmmm spinach rice sounds great! I'll have to give that a try. The health benefits of spinach are great in its various forms. Fresh is best, but you'd be surprised by how well it blends as a juice or smoothie. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Rusticliving - Hi Lisa! I'm happy to hear you enjoy spinach just as much as I do. A nice spinach salad always hits the spot. I had one yesterday with oranges and avocado - yum! Thank you for voting and sharing. :)
teaches1234 - great question. Everything I researched says drinking the juice immediately is of course the best practice. Most sites state not to let the juice exceed 8 - 12 hours or it will lose its nutrients. Glad you came by - thank you.
diogenes - Hi there! I'm very glad to see you. There are a variety of ways to cook and prepare spinach. I like AnnaCia's tip of sauteed spinach. Fresh salads are always great, but juicing offers an additional opportunity to add the health benefits of spinach in our diets. Have fun with your new juicer. You might check out my hub on a Healthy Spinach Smoothie Recipe when you are ready to give it a try. :)
Iamaudraleigh - Hi Audra, Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you liked the hub and I appreciate your votes.
Just Ask Susan - Susan, a fresh spinach salad is probably the best route to go. You are so creative with your wonderful hub recipes I'm sure you could come up with a creative way of incorporating spinach or its juice in one of your dishes. I'm working on a few recipes myself. Thank you for stopping by to read and comment.
FreddyCaple - Thanks you! The benefits are amazing.
AnnaCia - Great cooking tip. Thank you.
Dexter - Hi Dex! Nice to see you. I'm glad you love spinach. Try the juice variations. You might be surprised - I was! :)
I thought my husband was crazy the first time he made a spinach smoothie. He brought me this green drink and told me to try it. I finally did and for once he was right - you can't even taste the spinach! Really good to see all the extra vitamins and minerals that spinach can provide for the body. Great hub - voted up and useful!
Popeye was right - spinach really is one of the most healthful foods. I already eat it in salads and sandwiches, and juicing is a good way to consume even more. Thanks for the info. Voted up.
Hmm, I never thought of spinach sauce. But I guess there's no reason why I could do that instead of my standard sauté. Now I want to throw some in my smoothies too! Great Hub, voted up.
I love spinach in salads, sauteed and in soups and other dishes. Since I never get to the health food store, I should consider making my own juice. I like the table you show of the amount of juice from a given quantity. Very helpful information, all the way around! Voted up, useful and interesting!
This is very interesting. My kids love smoothies and they like spinach lasagna, so they might just like spinach smoothies too! Thanks for the tips.
My brother-in-law makes a fruit smoothie with frozen spinach every morning and swears you can't even taste the spinach. I'm going to have to try to slip some spinach in my kids' smoothies now that I know all of the great vitamins and minerals it contains! Thanks!
I have never juiced spinach but I keep reading great smoothie recipes with it and should give it a try sometime. Thanks for the great tips and information!
I'm with Ruchira - I LOVE spinach in all its forms. I had never thought of "juicing" it until I came across this hub. But now, I think I'm craving a spinach smoothie. Great job!
I love spinach but, to drink it as juice...nah!
I will stick to my traditional way of boiling it and sauteeing it with garlic and onions.
Either way...thanks for a useful hub.
Hi Miss Olive! I love spinach but I'm not sure I can juice it AND drink it. In any event, since you have successfully laid out the benefits of doing so, why not try it?
Voted up, up and away!
I like spinach too. Diogenes, when I cook the spinach I place the leaves on already hot olive oil and mix it around carefully, only for 2 to 3 minutes. On the other hand, if you are having the spinach rolled as a Burrito, then you can cook it more.
Lots of great info. Never been a spinach fan, but it's hard to deny the benefits.
I enjoy spinach salads. Not sure if I'd like spinach juice but I'll try almost anything once. The only way I'll eat cooked spinach is in Italian Wedding Soup. Have never cared much for it cooked.
Great hub packed with very useful healthy information.
I am totally going to share this hub with my boyfriend!!! In was very informative and well written! You got my vote!!!
I like spinach but it doesn't cook well, does it? I might try this, I need a new juicer anyway.
Bob
I guess this leafy green has tremendous health benefits no matter in what form we consume it. However, I didn't know it had so many benefits until I read through your post. Do you know if the juice can be stored in the refrigerator and how long it will keep? I must try it in soup as the flavor would add to any main dish. Thanks for sharing.
So glad to see this hub on Juicing spinach. It has to be one of the best vegetables to use when juicing (or eating for that matter) I eat spinach salads all the time. They taste better, a little dressing goes a long way and spinach compliments just about anything. Voted up and shared!
I love Spinach Rice. I also like another popular Indian dish called 'Palak Paneer' made using spinach. I can also tolerate Spinach soup... but spinach in any other form...nay! Anyway, awesome Hub. Voted up and shared.
I love spinach. It can be used in so many ways - I also use it in place of lettuce for sandwiches and wilted with vinegrette! You did your homework! I didn't know it was THAT good for me:)
Good info. I grew up fearing spinach, I'm 30 now and it was fairly recent that I finally discovered the fact that it doesn't have much taste at all. Now I put it in my salads every time!
I have an upcoming article this will compliment rather well - bookmarked so I can be sure to link over ;-)
64