Leafy greens are among the healthiest and most beneficial foods due to their high content of nitrates, magnesium, potassium, iron and other important elements. Australian scientists examined the association between consumption of spinach, Chinese cabbage, and lettuce with improved muscle function. img src=»https://medportal.ru/pictures/news/62ce1787-8993-4417-910a-0ad7a563827b/medium.jpg» />
Nitrates, which are rich in leafy greens, are converted in the body into nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation, increases the oxygen content in the blood and prevents the formation of blood clots. The authors of a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition assessed the impact of consuming high-nitrite foods on muscle function.
Scientists analyzed data on the health status and eating habits of more than 3,700 Australians who participated in the National Study on Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle for 12 years. Those who consumed the most nitrate foods had 11% higher leg muscle strength compared to those who added less leafy greens to their diet. This affects, in particular, the speed of walking, which in spinach and Chinese cabbage lovers turned out to be 4% faster compared to other volunteers.
The authors of the study also assessed the physical activity of all participants and found that leafy greens contribute to strengthening muscle strength, regardless of whether those who regularly consume it were involved in sports. According to scientists, nitric oxide «relaxes» and dilates blood vessels, effectively delivering oxygen to muscle tissue.
«Eating one cup of leafy greens a day is enough to reap the greatest benefits for musculoskeletal and musculoskeletal health.» cardiovascular system,” the scientists commented on the results of the study.
They also noted that nitrate-rich foods are much healthier than dietary supplements with these elements. In addition, greens contain other vitamins and minerals necessary for health.