Spinach is one of the foods considered as 'superfood' because of its high nutritional content. Spinach is rich in calcium, magnesium and iron which are good for improving body health. Some studies have shown that spinach can help reduce the risk of cancer, prevent asthma, and reduce blood pressure.

In a recent study, researchers saw other potentials that could be obtained from consuming spinach. According to the results of a study published in the Archives of Toxicology journal, spinach can help increase muscle strength, due to the presence of ecdysterone compoundsin spinach extract. The compound can increase protein synthesis in muscles.

To get these results, researchers conducted a double blind study of 46 young athletes. Participants were divided into 2 groups, where the first group was given supplements containing ecdysterone compounds, while the rest were given placebo with an intervention period of 10 weeks. The researchers collected blood and urine samples from each participant to analyse the presence of ecdysterone and biomarkers to improve muscle performance.

As a result, the researchers found that participants who consumed ecdysterone had a higher increase in muscle mass compared to those who took placebo. The increase in muscle mass certainly also affects the body's performance for the better. So for those of you who want to have strong muscles like 'Popeye', consumption of spinach can be one way to make it happen.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Isenmann, E., Ambrosio, G., Joseph, J.F., et all (2019). Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans. Archives of Toxicology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-019-02490-x.
• Medical News Today - The Spinach Supplement may increase muscle strength (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325661.php, 18 July 2019.