Spinach juice is produced by chopping spinach leaves in a food processor, and it, therefore, contains all of the vitamins and minerals of spinach in other forms, including vitamins A and C and important minerals such as manganese, iron and potassium. Vitamin A and potassium contribute to healthy vision and strong blood clotting in case of injuries. Manganese keeps blood sugar levels in balance and iron along with it will help to prevent fatigue from low oxygen levels in the blood. Other vitamins and minerals are also found in abundance in the plant such as calcium, iodine, and B complex vitamins, which can contribute to a wide variety of spinach juice benefits.
All parts of the spinach plant can be eaten, and it has been cultivated for its healthy traits in Asia and Iran as far back as 2,000 years ago. It has long been known as a natural agent for purifying the blood and maintaining healthy cell activity, which may inhibit cancer. Modern nutritionists believe it can play an important role in neutralizing acids in the body, as its natural alkalinity lowers pH levels. Evidence also suggests that the benefits of spinach juice include oral health, such as in the prevention of diseases of the mouth like pyorrhea or gum inflammation and bleeding, and as a preventative measure against cavities.
Using spinach juice for skin health and as a anti-cancer agent have also been practiced for a long time. It contains 13 different types of antioxidant compounds that are known to prevent free radical damage of cells in the body. While scientific evidence of its anti-cancer effects are not clear, it is thought to be most beneficial against colo-rectal and stomach cancers, as well as skin and breast cancer. The chemical antioxidants found in green, leafy plants such as spinach appear to alter the conditions in which cancer cells multiply, and strengthen the natural cell environment. This can make skin cells more resistant to damage from exposure to the sun and minimize wrinkling to some degree.
Many of the preventative health benefits of spinach juice seem to work better when it is mixed with carrot juice. People recovering from colon cancer often receive a recommendation by nutritionists to drink a combination of the two juices. As with many natural health treatments, spinach is considered an effective treatment for many conditions, including using spinach juice for hair growth and preventing hair loss.
The main areas of benefit from spinach juice seem to be in aiding the digestion tract, proper balance in the blood, and oral health. The benefits of spinach juice as a cancer preventative are probably largely due to the diverse array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant chemicals that it contains. Since a good balance of these has a strong impact on the health of the skin, it is often recommended as a part of beauty regimens.
Spinach juice side effects for someone new to the product can include nausea and diarrhea. Since it is also a natural drink that tends to not be pasteurized, especially if homemade, it can be a vector for pesticides and other contaminants that it picks up from the soil in which it has been grown. Dangerous microorganisms can also be present on the surface of leaves before they were juiced, such as e-coli or salmonella bacteria, so it should always be washed thoroughly under water before processing.