", Michigan State University: "Diet and inflammation.". Spinach, however, contains higher amounts of some other nutrients, including vitamin K, than bok choy. As part of a nutritious diet, it can help support immune function, aid the digestive system, may even have anticancer properties. Numerous studies suggest that this compound may have various anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects (24). It is acceptable to eat spinach stems. You can serve it with a little rice and yoghurt. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Your body is always getting rid of and rebuilding bone tissue. You also get potassium from spinach, which helps keep your heart working right. Saute fresh spinach with garlic, onions, and olive oil for a quick and nutritious side dish. Its a great source of folate, which may prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, during pregnancy. A three-cup portion provides over 300% of the average daily value for vitamin K. The leafy green vegetable also provides over 160% and 40% of the average daily values for vitamin A and vitamin C, respectively. There are many different species of spinach, but the vegetable generally has rounded, dark green leaves. This will help avoid any problems down the road. Vitamin niocin is thought to be responsible for the prevention of heart disease, brain damage, and arthritis. This article lists 20 foods that are exceptionally high in vitamin K. Laxatives can help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. It has a slender, flexible stem that is sensitive to sunlight. 5. WebThe ergogenic benefits of a red spinach supplement stem from its nutrient density and high nitrate levels. Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi. Soaking them helps to get the soil and other residues off the stems. ", National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: "Antioxidants: In Depth. 8 Health Benefits of Watermelon, According to a Nutritionist, 5 Health Benefits of Blueberries, According to a Nutritionist, How Cooking Spinach Affects Its Nutrients, 20 Stress Relieving Foods to Try if You're Feeling Anxious, The Best and Worst Choices in Every Food Group, 9 Health Benefits of Broccoli, According to a Nutritionist, Immunity-Boosting Foods That Help Fight Infections, America's Healthiest Superfoods for Women, 12 Foods and Drinks That Boost Your Immune System, USDA database for the flavonoid content of selected foods. You might think sipping water and other drinks are the only way to hydrate. People who are prone to kidney stones may want to avoid spinach. To use carotenoids, our body must first convert these compounds into retinol. If you do choose to eat the stems, it is best to cook them first. Second, if you are going to be using the spinach for cooking or salad purposes, make sure to wash and dry the stems before using them. Blend spinach into anything from a fruit smoothie to pancakes to hummus, and add it to soups, veggie chili, and tacos. When you have too little iron, you get iron deficiency anemia. Soaking them helps to get the soil and other residues off the stems. As a result of better performance levels, red spinach can also improve muscle growth. However, some people prefer to remove the stems before eating spinach. Our research shows that spinach stems can provide a great flavor and texture to smoothies. The possible health benefits of consuming spinach include improving blood glucose control in people with diabetes, lowering the risk of cancer, and improving bone health. So next time youre prepping spinach for a smoothie, dont toss the stems! Yes, it is a good idea to do so because the stems can add a lot of flavor and nutrition to your salads. Spinach, however, contains higher amounts of some other nutrients, including vitamin K, than bok choy. Spinach is a great staple to add to your diet. It is best to boil the stalks of the tougher plants if they are thick. The research indicated that consuming spinach may help curb AMD risk. The snack is more like a cooks treat than one for the midnight snacker. Spinach is also very adaptable, and people consume it in a variety of different ways, from soups and curries to raw salad leaves. Learn more about natural laxatives. You might think sipping water and other drinks are the only way to hydrate. Spinach is one of the most concentrated sources of oxalate out of all food (28). Vitamin K helps to inhibit calcification of the arteries, a causal factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. It also supplies iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and small amounts of other B vitamins. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids in spinach that lower your chances of having long-term eye conditions. Raw spinach contains oxalic acid, an organic substance that may interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients such as calcium and iron. Spinach is rich in many nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, folate, and potassium. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health. They also positively influence gene expressionor the "turning on" of certain genesin metabolism and inflammation. You can also boil them in salted water for 4-5 minutes. Spinach has similar cool-season growing conditions and requirements as lettuce, but it is more versatile in both its nutrition Because spinach stems are free of harmful chemicals, it is safe to eat them. This content is for informational purposes only and Nutrition Advance does not provide medical advice. Dress with a mustard vinaigrette. Your bones and teeth are pretty important you want to keep them strong and healthy! by Shauna Havey | Nov 15, 2022 | Smoothies. 1) Rich In Carotenoids (Vitamin A) Spinach is rich in oxalate, a naturally occurring substance found in almost all plants. You might think sipping water and other drinks are the only way to hydrate. Lutein has also been shown to help preserve cognitive abilities. Avoid bundles of spinach with leaves that have bruises or look droopy. Due to its high potassium content, spinach may help reduce or manage high blood pressure. Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, fiber and vitamin K. Do you cut the stems of spinach salad for a more flavorful salad? All rights reserved. Release 3.2 (November 2015). Search more ingredients for nutritional information: 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Finally, make sure the recipe instructions are followed in a thorough manner. Most notably, vitamin K is associated with cardiovascular and skeletal system benefits (6); There are two types of vitamin K; vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that spinach stems did not contain any significant nutrients. Saut spinach in extra virgin olive oil with sweet red bell peppers and crushed red pepper, or steam and toss the greens with jarred olive tapenade or dairy-free pesto. This system keeps you safe from viruses and bacteria that cause disease. As tasty as they are, spinach stems are also good for your health. Spinach features large quantities of vitamin A, which moderates oil production in the skin pores and hair follicles to moisturize the skin and hair. Spinach is generally considered very healthy. Microwave strips of fresh spinach combined with olive oil, lemon juice, and cheddar or mozzarella cheese to make an easy spinach dish kids will love. For example, some people might enjoy spinach because of how healthy it is for their diet, while others might not like it because its poisonous to them. Spinach also has several health benefits. Just as spinach has many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider too. Spinach is one of the biggest food sources of provitamin A carotenoids. Is it safe to eat? Strengthens Your Bones and Teeth. To prepare spinach for a smoothie, you will need to wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and then cut them into small pieces. When the researchers fried spinach at a high temperature, a considerable percentage of the lutein decreased after two minutes. Because spinach stems do not contain any toxins, they are not poisonous. Studies have shown that lutein appears to prevent ultraviolet damage to your lenses. Most of the health benefits that spinach can confer relate to the nutrients it provides. It packs high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. SO GOOD FOR YOU. Read our. This beverage will provide you with a good and tasty beverage. If you are thinking about cutting off the stems of spinach, there are a few things to keep in mind. Any time of the year spinach is very tasty although the best is found nearing spring time. Nitrate-rich vegetables increase plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and lower blood pressure in healthy adults. Additionally, iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which a person can help prevent with a diet of sufficient iron-rich foods, such as spinach. 7 Incredible Health Benefits of Spinach Juice 1. Additionally, folate can help to protect against neural tube defects and other pregnancy-related complications. Cover the pan and cook the stems for about 4-5 minutesover medium heat. Learn more about the differences between the two here. Just like the leaves, they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Discover the links between diet and hair loss. Chop the stems to any length you prefer. Spinach and other leafy greens high in vitamin C are crucial for building and maintaining collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. But long-term inflammation can be unhealthy. As tasty as they are, spinach stems are also good for your health. Straight species Malabar spinach has yellowish stems and green leaves and is a pleasing enough plant, but it's the red-stemmed cultivar 'Rubra' that really catches the eye (whether it's growing in a pot or lounging in a salad bowl). (2021). Additionally, several studies indicate that zeaxanthin and lutein work to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, which are major causes of blindness (16, 17, 18, 19). People who are taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, should consult with their healthcare practitioner before eating large amounts of spinach (34). Theyre packed with vitamin A, B6, C, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium. (2022). The leaves of savoy spinach are typically wrinkled and curly. If youre like most people, you probably throw away spinach stems without a second thought. About Spinach. Yes, you can use frozen spinach in a smoothie. Give them a try and see for yourself how delicious and nutritious they can be. They also decreased the size of the tumor (22, 23). However, some people may benefit from limiting their intake of this vegetable. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Perfect Smoothie: How To Add Coconut Water, The Smoothie Meme Generator: An Easy And Fun Way To Make Memes, The Different Ways To Make Green Smoothies More Digestible, Healthy And Delicious Avocado Smoothie Recipes, Papaya Juice: A Refreshing And Healthy Drink. Here is a summary of some recent research; Kaempferol is a flavonoid polyphenol which we can find in certain plant foods, and spinach is a particularly high source (23). Pour the sauce over the drained stems and youve got yourself a delicious salad. For those reasons, the researchers concluded that eating more spinach may help curb chronic diseasesincluding heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. However, dont forget the scrub them well. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. For example, try incorporating spinach into a smoothie, combined with healthy fatsuch as avocado or almond butter. We can find vitamin K1 mainly in green vegetables and sea vegetation such as seaweed. Minimum lentgh is 3 characters! How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026049518301537, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6164534/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5726210/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5409680/, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8157348/, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01635581.2015.990573, https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/potassium, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6723188/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8229448/, https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168462/nutrients, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6051000/, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. It contains vitamins and antioxidants that protect from chronic diseases and promote brain, cardiovascular, and eye health. Most of the health benefitsthat spinach can confer relate to the nutrients it provides. Here are 17 recipes to help you make the most of it. In other words, over 60% of the carbs in spinach are from fiber. This vegetable has been shown to benefit health in several ways. These rapid dietary changes can interfere with these medications. So what is the verdict on spinach? A green smoothie is a healthy and delicious way to get started on the right foot. Studies suggest thylakoid extracts from plants like spinach may reduce your appetite. Spinach is rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, which are the carotenoids responsible for color in some vegetables. While incorporating spinach into raw and cooked dishes can help maximize its health benefits, some research shows that not cooking the greens preserves its lutein content. What can you eat to make it better? Cynthia Sass is a nutritionist and registered dietitian with master's degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Although frozen spinach is available in the recipe, it has been blanched. In a study published in 2016 in the journal Food & Function, researchers summarized the protective effects of spinach. It is a low calorie and low-fat food that has many health benefits. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Cooked spinach also has a more consistent texture, which makes it easier to eat. Sass is also a three-time New York Times best-selling author and Certified Plant Based Professional Cook. Spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Here are 14 of the healthiest leafy green vegetables you, This is a detailed review of spinach extract, a weight loss supplement that is also called Appethyl. It acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption, and may reduce the amount of calcium that leaves the body in urine. Spinach is an excellent source of lutein, an antioxidant known to protect against age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Spinach stems are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron. You can create an account to easily access your favorite projects and tutorials. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable that originated in Persia. You can make it without defrosting by simply adding ice to the blender. Food Chemistry. WebHow to Prepare Spinach. Although it is easy to find scare stories about anti-nutrients in vegetables, they are not a concern for most people. When you buy fresh, bunched spinach at the grocery store, it is usually savoy spinach. Food Sci Biotechnol. WebSpinach, a supercold-hardy leafy green, is a popular crop that can be planted in very early spring, as well as in fall and even winter in some areas.Learn more about planting and growing nutritious spinach in your home garden. The researchers found microwaving vegetables was the best way to preserve vitamin K. Blanching, or adding vegetables to boiling water to remove their skins, significantly reduced the vitamin C content. Eating foods like spinach that have anti-inflammation perks is a way you can reduce the inflammation in your body. Roberts JL, Moreau R. Functional properties of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) phytochemicals and bioactives. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? However, it may cause adverse effects in some individuals. Per the National Eye Institute, AMD is an eye disease that can blur the sharp, central vision essential for reading and driving. Vitamin C assists with the wound healing process. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Spinach is high in both calcium and oxalates, so people who are at a high risk of developing kidney stones should limit their intake (32, 33). Vitamins: Spinach is rich in vitamin B and other important vitamins such as A, E, K, and C that helps to improve the skin texture and treat numerous skin-related disorders. 2015;11(9):1007-1014. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009, Jonvik KL, Nyakayiru J, Pinckaers PJ, Senden JM, van Loon LJ, Verdijk LB. Individuals are able to exercise harder for a Instead, the researchers found that steaming vegetables was the best way to preserve vitamin C. Cooking also diminished the vitamin E levels in spinach but increased the vitamin A content. So, it's important to consume spinach raw for maximum lutein intake. You can chop the stems into 2-2.5 cm pieces and saut them with a little chili. Spinach is a superstar among green leafy vegetables. You can unsubscribe at any time. Although this study was quite small, its findings are backed up by other animal and human research (12, 13, 14). One of the antioxidants in spinach, lutein, may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Spinach is a superstar among green leafy vegetables. The Journal of Nutrition. Theres no wrong answer when it comes to using fresh or frozen spinach in smoothies. But food can help you reach that goal, too. Combine spinach, garlic, onions, chicken broth, and a russet potato in a blender to make a hearty soup. Spinach stems are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron. Additionally, research has shown that eating cooked spinach can actually improve your overall health. Nitrates open up or dilate blood vessels. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and lessen the risk of attacks. In a tender tender body, you may feel the stem. In one study, these compounds helped slow tumor growth in a persons cervix. Additionally, this vegetable provides minerals and vitamins that can confer a range of benefits. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. According to the National Library of Medicine, vitamins K and A support strong bones and vitamin C helps heal wounds. Department of Agriculture. Spinach, raw. Spinach is rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, which are the carotenoids responsible for color in some vegetables. In a study published in 2016 in the Journal of Nutrition, a group of seven women and 11 men consumed four nitrate-rich drinks, including a spinach beverage. Spinach contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which studies suggest lowers glucose levels, increases insulin sensitivity, and prevents oxidative, stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes. ", Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "General Information About NTDs, Folic Acid, and Folate. In contrast to bio-available vitamin A (retinol) found in oily fish, eggs, and organ meats, carotenoids are not in a form the body can readily use (4). Per the Department of Agriculture, three cups of raw spinach provide approximately 20 calories, less than one gram of fat, two grams of protein, three grams of carbohydrates, and two grams of fiber. The anti-inflammatory effects of spinach make it a key contender for protecting the brainspecifically in terms of aging. Learn more about foods that promote regular digestive function. With its light and delicate flavor, spinach can be used in any smoothie flavor. Broccoli roots, spinach stems, beets leaves, and turnip leaves are all nutritious foods, and they can be consumed in moderation. ", U.S. Department of Agriculture: "Spinach, raw. Your bones and teeth are pretty important you want to keep them strong and healthy! Another good reason to eat Malabar spinach is that it has a good amount of antioxidants, particularly beta carotene and lutein, those naturally occurring chemicals that help keep your cells from aging. Blend fresh or frozen spinach, strawberries, pineapple, banana, plain Greek yogurt, and chia seeds to make a delicious smoothie. Strengthens Your Bones and Teeth. It is rich in multiple vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C: Fact sheet for health professionals. Also, a study published in 2018 in Food Science and Biotechnology examined the effects of different cooking methods on the vitamin content in selected vegetables, including spinach. Consuming foods that are high in potassium helps lower your blood pressure. Carrots and cauliflower are both superfood foods with vitamin C, potassium, iron, copper, fiber, and vitamin A in addition to their minerals and vitamins. Although spinach is very low in calories, it is loaded with beneficial nutrients. Eating this leafy green may also help prevent breast cancer (24, 25). Human eyes also contain high quantities of these pigments, which protect your eyes from the damage caused by sunlight (15). WebSpinach, a supercold-hardy leafy green, is a popular crop that can be planted in very early spring, as well as in fall and even winter in some areas.Learn more about planting and growing nutritious spinach in your home garden. Any time of the year spinach is very tasty although the best is found nearing spring time. Research shows it can lower your blood pressure and make your arteries less stiff, among other benefits. ", Mayo Clinic: "Osteoporosis," "Iron deficiency anemia. WebHealth benefits Healthy Heart, Maintains Blood Pressure Levels, Improves Digestion, Improves Eyesight, Good for gastric ulcers, Healthy Bone, Prevents Anemia, Improves Metabolism, Promotes Healthy brain, Good for Skin, Good for Weight Loss, Prevents Cancer Siener, R. (2021). Spinach is a superstar among green leafy vegetables. In one study published in 2018 in Food Chemistry, researchers found that, after cooking spinach using various methods, the vegetable's lutein content gradually decreased. It is true that frozen spinach is a low-cost and long-lasting alternative to fresh spinach. When eating spinach, it must be thoroughly cleaned before consumption due to its gritty texture. If you're making a grain bowl, place a handful of spinach on the bottom and flip the portion sizes of the greens and grains to up your intake of vegetables. Related: How much calcium is in broccoli? You can add it to smoothies, enjoy it in a chilled salad, steam and saut it as a side dish, add it to a stir fry, and even blend it into baked goods, like brownies. It contains vitamins and antioxidants that protect from chronic diseases and promote brain, cardiovascular, and eye health. Just add a handful of frozen spinach to your blender along with your other smoothie ingredients. However, both are highly nutritious vegetables, and both can form part of a healthful diet. Any time of the year spinach is very tasty although the best is found nearing spring time. Just defrost and squeeze out the extra water. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Some parts of spinach that are eaten include leaves, stems, and flowers. As mentioned earlier, spinach is a significant source of carotenoid compounds. Spinach is a superstar among green leafy vegetables. This is an article about oxalate and its health effects. Potassium can help reduce the effects of sodium in the body. One study found that women who had a higher dietary intake of lutein were 23% less likely to develop cataracts than those who had a low-lutein diet. Aside from squash, there are a variety of vegetables available such as pumpkin, acorn, and kababocha. Health benefits of spinach Oxidative stress. Slow down digestion and reduce spikes in blood sugar levels following a carbohydrate-containing meal (, A range of research suggests that, after protein, fiber is the next most important nutrient for satiety. And healthy fat increases the ability to absorb the eye disease-fighting antioxidant. One cup of leafy green vegetables contains more than 160 milligrams of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in addition to potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Some people think so, while others disagree. Spinach has calcium, manganese, and vitamin K, which are important for healthy bones. Magnesium is necessary for energy metabolism, maintaining muscle and nerve function, regular heart rhythm, a healthy immune system, and maintaining blood pressure. When blended into a smoothie, the stems help to thicken and add creaminess without changing the flavor. Dont defrost; instead, add directly to the blender and blend. Spinach is high in fiber and water, both of which help prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract. Spinach is high in insoluble fiber, which may boost your health in several ways (2). Keep the spinach in a refrigerator in a plastic bag for storing food. This smoothie contains magnesium, which is essential for bone health. 7 Incredible Health Benefits of Spinach Juice 1. We avoid using tertiary references. That said, since spinach is a significant source of vitamin K, even a worst-case scenario of only being able to absorb 10% would still account for more than 60% of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin K per 100 grams. (2016). This is why one of the primary symptoms of iron deficiency is heavy fatigue. Alongside other vitamins and minerals, vitamin K plays a role in the skeletal system. 12 billion trees are cut every year for paper production, keep in mind when printing. In addition to its many vitamins and minerals, spinach provides antioxidants that link to anti-inflammation and disease protection. The benefits of eating spinach raw include that it is high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin A. Cooked spinach has a lower nutrient content, but it also has health benefits such as beingAnti-inflammatory and providing cancer-fighting nutrients. USDA database for the flavonoid content of selected foods. Spinach is extremely healthy and linked to numerous health benefits. This low-calorie food is full of nutrients that are Boosts Hydration. This low-calorie food is full of nutrients that are good for your body in several ways. Does spinach contain any vitamin E? Strawberry is also high in antioxidants C and A. For extra flavor and better absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, try sauteing the spinach in the remaining beef fat. Second, spinach is a good source of oxalates, which can cause skin irritation or skin disease. Cucumbers are low in calories but high in beneficial nutrients that may lead to various health benefits. Diastolic blood pressurethe bottom number on a blood pressure reading, indicating the amount of pressure in your arteries between heartbeatsremained low for five hours after consuming the spinach and rocket salad drinks. Stirem up! For example, like vitamin C, they lower your odds of getting cataracts. Incredible Smoothies recommends a 50/60 fruit-to-spinz ratio. You can also saut spinach or steam it without worrying about losing too many of its nutrients. Spinach is also high in potassium. Spinach is also rich in dietary oxalate. This may help prevent constipation. You can buy it canned or fresh and eat it cooked or raw. Spinach is a rich source of manganese and magnesium, and it contains a range of other minerals in small to moderate amounts. Unfortunately, some people are sensitive to this oxalate, and these individuals may develop kidney stones from a high-oxalate diet. Full of Vitamin A, B6,C, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium it is a vegetable you really should try to eat as often as possible to get the maximum health benefits. They also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health. It has been shown to improve oxidative stress, eye health, and blood pressure. This is because the stems can be tough and fibrous. However, both are highly nutritious vegetables, and both can form part of a healthful diet. Spinach also has several health benefits. They are, in fact, just as safe and tasty to consume as leaves. Spinach is a vegetable that's nearly all water. Spinach is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Frozen fruits, vegetables, and filling ingredients all come together to make a delicious healthy smoothie. Low or decreased MPOD is a risk factor for AMD. This will help to make them more tender and easier to eat.