Proper consumption of spinach does not affect calcium absorption in children.
Spinach is one of the seasonal vegetables in spring and is highly nutritious. However, some believe that due to its high oxalic acid content, children should not eat too much, as it will affect their calcium absorption. In response, child nutrition experts point out that proper consumption of spinach is beneficial and harmless to children's health.
Tian Xi, director of the Nutrition Department at Tianjin Children's Hospital, said that spinach is quite nutritious, containing a large amount of carotene and is an excellent source of vitamins B,
folic acid, iron, and potassium. In addition, it also contains riboflavin, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium. However, because spinach contains a high amount of oxalic acid, when oxalic acid and calcium meet, they form calcium oxalate, causing the loss of calcium in the food. Therefore, some believe that eating spinach affects a child's calcium absorption. In fact, as long as the preparation method is correct, the negative effects of oxalic acid can be greatly reduced. The correct method is to blanch the spinach in boiling water quickly before cooking, which removes most of the oxalic acid.
Tian Xi reminded that when making soup, be sure not to add un-blanched spinach directly. The oxalic acid in spinach mainly exists in the form of potassium oxalate, which is highly soluble in water. 1 gram of potassium oxalate can dissolve in 3 ml of water. Therefore, after spinach is boiled in soup, a large amount of potassium oxalate dissolves into the soup. After entering the body, potassium oxalate encounters calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate, which precipitates in the digestive tract and hinders the body's absorption of calcium.
Tian Xi also noted that when eating spinach, do not remove all the roots. Spinach roots belong to the category of red foods, have good therapeutic effects, are rich in nutrients, and contain dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach roots can also prevent diabetes in children.
Tian Xi said that although spinach is good, it should be consumed in moderation by children. Some parents believe that spinach is rich in nutrients and serve it at every meal during spring, which is also not advisable. A reasonable mix of vegetables is more beneficial to health.