Evidence supporting the use of: Spinach
For the health condition: Memory and Brain Function
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) has been investigated for its potential to support memory and brain function, largely due to its rich content of antioxidants, vitamins (notably vitamin K, folate, and vitamin E), and plant-derived compounds such as lutein. Several observational and animal studies suggest that diets high in leafy green vegetables, including spinach, are associated with slower cognitive decline in older adults. For example, a notable 2018 study published in Neurology followed over 900 participants and found that those who consumed more servings of leafy greens experienced a significantly slower rate of memory decline compared to those who ate little or none. The proposed mechanisms include reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and improved neuronal signaling, attributed to the high antioxidant and micronutrient content in spinach.
However, direct evidence from randomized controlled trials specifically using spinach supplements to treat or prevent memory loss in humans is limited. Most data come from broader dietary studies or animal research rather than isolated spinach intervention. Thus, while there is scientific rationale and some supportive population data, the direct evidence for spinach alone as a treatment for memory or brain function is modest. It is best considered as part of a healthy, varied diet rather than a targeted therapy for cognitive issues.
Other ingredients used for Memory and Brain Function
2'-Fucosyllactoseacai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-pinene
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
asparagus
astaxanthin
waterhyssop
beet
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
sesame
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
Indian frankincense
broccoli
caprylic acid
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
Chinese salvia root
choline
cinnamon
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish protein
folate
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginkgo biloba
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
green tea
guarana
guayusa
hesperetin
huperzine A
inositol
jujube
kale
krill oil
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-serine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tyrosine
lactobacillus reuteri
lecithin
lion's mane
lutein
luteolin
maca
mackerel
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
moringa
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oat
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
perilla
phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pollen
polygala root
pomegranate
pregnenolone
prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)
pumpkin
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rutin
saffron
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
selenium
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
strawberry
sulforaphane glucosinolate
threonic acid
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
almond fruit
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vinpocetine
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
mulberry
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
jiaogulan
tinospora cordifolia
lingzhi
morus
root tuber
ferulic acid
chrysanthemum
cistanche
lotus seed
royal jelly
terpene lactones
purslane
yerba mate
biota seed
goji berry
algae
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Arachidonic Acid
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Anserine
Alpha glyceryl
Andrographolide
Avocado
Agmatine
Adrafinil
Acetylcholine
Amentoflavone
Agarwood
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Acer Truncatum bunge
Aniracetam
anthocyanosides
Black Seed
Bilobalide
Butylphthalide
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Breadnut
Blepharis
Beef liver
Baccosides
Bacopin
Baicalein
Basidiomycota
Boswellia
Brahmi
Bacopa
Blue-Green Alage
Bifidobacteria
bacoside
Baicalin
Bird's nest
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyanobacteria
Carnosine
Catalpol
Chebulic acid
Cod Liver Oil
Codonopsis
Cyanidin
Cruciferous
Centella asiatica
Cinnamic Acid
Chocolate
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Creatine
Catuaba
Convolvulus prostratus
Crocetin
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Celastrus
Cytidine
cola nut
Canscora
Currant
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Dendrobium
Decursin
Decursinol
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Date
epicatechin
Egg
Ergothioneine
Elk antler
Emblicanin
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
Enokitake
Folic Acid
Fish
Flammulina velutipes
glucose
Glycine
Periwinkle
walnut
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by spinach
AnemiaArthritis
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Wounds and Sores
Products containing spinach
Pure Encapsulations
CogniMag
Designs For Health
EssentiaGreens™
Klean Athlete
Klean Multivitamin ™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Liquid Multivitamin
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™ Detox Program
Designs For Health
PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Metagenics
PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Designs For Health
Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
Pure Encapsulations
PS Plus
Pure Encapsulations
RevitalAge™ Ultra
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green