| Sažetak | Špinat i cikla su jednogodišnje ili dvogodišnje biljne vrste. Špinat ima sočne zelene listove, dok cikla ima zadebljano korijenje i listove koji su zelene do crvenkaste boje. Ljekoviti dio špinata jesu listovi bez peteljke dok je kod cikle naznačena njezina ljekovitost lista i korijena. Špinat je poznat kao povrće koje jača organizam i tjelesnu snagu zbog velike količine minerala, vitamina i bioaktivnih komponenata. Špinat rasterećuje srce i bubrege i ujedno snižava tlak te pojačava rad gušterače i probavu. S druge strane, cikla uspješno, blagotvorno i ljekovito djeluje kod bolesti kao što su anemija (isto kao i špinat), slabokrvnost i povišene masnoće u krvi. Cikla ljekovito djeluje na jetru, a to je ubrzo vidljivo kroz kraće vrijeme. U medicini, danas se cikla koristi radi sprječavanja nastanka tumorskih stanica te njihove apoptoze. Istraživanjem je utvrđeno da špinat sadrži dva važna antioksidanta – glutation i alfa-lipoinsku kiselinu koji su snažni antioksidansi i presudni za normalnu funkciju organizma. Nadalje, utvrđeno je da cikla sadrži veće količine riboflavina koji je važan za pretvrobu energije i metabolizam masti, lijekova i steroida.
Zaključno, među brojnim pozitivnim svojstvima konzumacije špinata, izdvaja se aktivacija metabolizma ugljikohidrata, jačanje aktivnosti mozga, zdravlje kože i noktiju, povećanje razine korisnog šećera u krvi kao i opće poboljšanje raspoloženja. Zbog visokog sadržaja bioaktivnih spojeva, cikla dakle predstavlja funkcionalnu hranu s potencijalom za prevenciju i terapiju različitih kroničnih bolesti. Njezina antioksidativna i antitumorska svojstva, zajedno s pozitivnim učincima na metabolizam, čine je vrijednim dodatkom prehrani za poboljšanje općeg zdravlja. |
| Sažetak (engleski) | Spinach and red beet are annual or biennial plant species. Spinach has juicy green leaves, while red beet is characterized by its thickened roots and leaves, which range from green to reddish hues. The medicinal part of spinach is its leaves without petioles, whereas red beet is valued for the healing properties of both its leaves and roots. Spinach is known as a vegetable that strengthens the body and physical stamina due to its high content of minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. It supports the heart and kidneys, lowers blood pressure, enhances pancreatic function, and improves digestion. On the other hand, red beet has beneficial and healing effects on conditions such as anaemia (similar to spinach), low blood haemoglobin, and high blood lipids. Red beet also positively impacts liver health, with noticeable results in a short period. In modern medicine, red beet is recognized for its ability to prevent the formation of tumour cells and promote their apoptosis. Research has shown that spinach contains two important antioxidants – glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid – which are powerful antioxidants crucial for maintaining normal bodily functions. Furthermore, red beet is rich in riboflavin, a key nutrient for energy production and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids.
In conclusion, among the numerous positive effects of spinach consumption, notable benefits include the activation of carbohydrate metabolism, enhanced brain activity, improved skin and nail health, increased levels of beneficial blood sugar, and an overall boost in mood. With its high content of bioactive compounds, red beet is considered as a functional food with the potential for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. Its antioxidant and antitumor properties, along with its positive effects on metabolism, make it a valuable dietary addition for improving overall health. |
