Spinach leaves are commonly consumed in human nutrition and the leaves have been shown to possess a number of phytochemicals that may be biologically active. These include a number of flavonoids and carotenoids that have been shown to have beneficial effects. These compounds have been shown to have significant antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects and extracts of spinach leaves have been used to treat a number of diseases for this reason. However, despite the growing number of studies that show beneficial effects for spinach leaves in human health, anecdotes of damaging effects persist relating to spinach. In particular oxalates can inhibit the absorption of calcium and so very high concentrations of spinach leaves may reduce calcium intake. Further, spinach also contains nitrates, high intakes of which may increase gastrointestinal cancer. However, a lack of empirical evidence in the literature attests to any detrimental effect for spinach when eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
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