Three things to avoid when eating spinach.

Amaranth is easy to grow and has many nutritional benefits. (Photo: Ban Mai)

It should not be eaten frequently.

Although amaranth has many benefits, eating it in large quantities every day can lead to nutritional imbalances. The oxalate and nitrate content in the vegetable can overload the kidneys, hindering the absorption of minerals such as zinc and calcium.

Nutritionists recommend alternating between different types of green vegetables instead of eating only one. According to the Harvard School of Public Health , excessive consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables can cause problems for people with impaired kidney function or those taking diuretics or blood pressure medication.

A study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition indicates that raw amaranth contains high levels of oxalates, which can affect mineral absorption and cause urinary tract problems if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, you should cook this vegetable before eating it.

Do not reheat multiple times.

Reheating spinach multiple times can lead to the conversion of nitrates in the vegetable into nitrites, a compound harmful to health. Nitrites combine with amines in food to form nitrosamines – some of which have been shown to be carcinogenic.

According to a report by the European Food Safety Authority, high levels of nitrite are linked to an increased risk of cancer and methemoglobinemia (causing a lack of oxygen in the blood, particularly dangerous for infants).

It should not be eaten with foods high in oxalates or purines.

Amaranth should not be eaten with foods high in oxalates (sweet potato leaves, spinach) or high in purines (such as animal organs, herring, anchovies), especially for people with a history of gout or kidney stones. This combination can significantly increase uric acid and oxalate crystal levels in the body.

A study published in the journal Renal Nutrition suggests that consuming foods containing oxalates at the same time may increase the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.

Who should avoid eating spinach?

- People with kidney disease: Due to its high potassium and nitrate content, excessive consumption of amaranth can be harmful to those with impaired kidney function. Amaranth contains a lot of oxalates, which can combine with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate crystals – a common cause of kidney stones. People with a history of kidney stones should eat less amaranth and prefer cooked amaranth to reduce oxalate intake.

- People with gout or high uric acid: Amaranth contains purines, which, when broken down, produce uric acid. Eating too much of it can trigger gout flare-ups.

- Infants and young children: Reheating or improperly storing amaranth dishes can convert nitrates into nitrites, which can easily cause methemoglobinemia, a condition very dangerous for young children.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ba-khong-khi-an-rau-den-318439.html