Myth about Spinach

[jules2551]

Good Morning Everyone!  I have noticed recently that a lot of people have been concerned about iron levels and also what to eat and what not.  Since my dx with hemocromatosis I have been doing some research and discovered this about spinach in particular.  Cooked spinach is actually a good source of non-heme iron and raw spinach contains oxalates (derived from oxalic acid) which IMPAIRS the absorption of iron.

"Oxalates impair the absorption of nonheme iron. Oxalates are compounds derived from oxalic acid and found in foods such as spinach, kale, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, wheat bran, rhubarb, strawberries and herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley. The presence of oxalates in spinach explains why the iron in spinach is not absorbed. In fact, it is reported that the iron from spinach that does get absorbed is probably from the minute particles of sand or dirt clinging to the plant rather than the iron contained in the plant. "

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I tried to print off the entire article but it would not let me due to too many characters.  So if you would like more information you can go to www.irondisorders.org

Have a great day!

Jules

[printze]

I too eat lots of spinach salads almost daily. I was a little concerned about that as I know it is ok.I cook it, eat it raw , and use it in many dishes . Love it.

[suezeeque]

I eat a HUGE bowl of spinach salad at least 2, sometimes 3 times a week.  Love the stuff.

I've never had elevated iron on a blood test.  Always within normal limits.