Grandma warned: spinach must not be reheated because it contains substances that are harmful to he alth. Today we know that you can safely eat warmed spinach. But what's the truth about grandma's concerns, what substances does spinach contain and how do you deal with the spinach?
Is spinach poisonous and how to prevent nitrite formation?
Spinach is not poisonous, but it contains nitrate, which can turn into toxic nitrite if stored or reheated incorrectly. To avoid nitrite formation, blanch spinach, discard spinach water and allow to cool quickly.
Spinach contains these substances:
- Iron
- Nitrates
- Vitamins C, A and B
When does nitrate convert into toxic nitrite?
Many vegetables contain nitrate, which is not toxic to us. Through the body's own bacteria, reboiling or long storage, nitrate converts into toxic nitrite.
This hinders the transport of oxygen in the body and is considered carcinogenic. The amount of nitrite produced by storage and reheating is harmless to adults.
In conjunction 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 spinach, this reduces the nitrate content
- Nitrate goes into the cooking water, so always throw away the spinach water
- Spinach for a maximum of a week, preferably stored in the refrigerator
- Let spinach cool quickly to store
-
warmed spinach is safe if it has been stored in the refrigerator and not recookedcooked
Tips & Tricks
Spinach is digestible for babies if it is only fed after the 5th month and mixed with grain or carrots. Due to their lower body weight, warmed spinach should be avoided in children as it can lead to blueness.
