Did this leafy green help Queen Elizabeth live till 96? Incredible benefits of the superfood

Queen Elizabeth, the longest-reigning British monarch was the epitome of grace and resilience. Living to the remarkable age of 96, many have wondered about the secrets behind her longevity and good health. Being gifted with good genes (her mother lived to 101), leading an active lifestyle, and eating the right foods may have contributed to her overall well-being. A former royal chef revealed how the Queen preferred lighter, more wholesome midday meals, instead of carb-heavy options.

One of her favourite foods included Grilled Dover sole atop a bed of wilted spinach or courgette.

Darren McGrady, who once cooked for Queen said "the Queen never was a foodie."

"She always ate to live rather than live to eat. Prince Philip was the foodie."

“He'd want to try any new dishes all the time and got excited about new ingredients, whereas the Queen, if we had a new recipe, she'd have to look at the whole recipe before saying, 'Yes ok let's try it'. But for the most part she stuck to the same dishes week in week out.” Darren said the Queen loved fillet steak with a mushroom whiskey sauce for dinner, especially if they did it with venison.

Coming back to Queen's favourite lunch item - Grilled Dover sole on a bed of wilted spinach, it is considered low in fat but high in protein and vitamin D and B-12.

Benefits of spinach

Fights aging and chronic diseaseSpinach, a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable is a storehouse of micronutrients, and is packed with ample fibre, protein, and fatty acids. A 1998 study by Tufts University, found that certain foods like spinach, could help one age gracefully as it helps boost central nervous system health.

Rich in antioxidants, spinach helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress, the main factors linked to aging and chronic disease. Spinach is also high in vitamins A, C, K, iron, and folate, which can promote heart health, brain function, and strong immunity. Vitamin C is needed for the absorption of iron in the diet.

Heart healthGreen leafy vegetables, like spinach, are known for their high vitamin content. While many are rich in vitamin E, spinach is especially high in vitamin K1 (also called phylloquinone). This vitamin plays an important role in blood clotting and keeping your blood vessels healthy. When the body doesn’t get enough vitamin K1, it can lead to problems like poor blood clotting and the buildup of calcium in the arteries—a condition linked to heart disease.

Mental health
Spinach is also a mood-booster veggie and is known to lower stress hormone cortisol. It also increases neurotransmitters that regulate mood such as glutamate and glutamine.

Lowers blood pressure

Spinach is high in potassium which can help manage high blood pressure. Potassium reduces the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake can also raise the risk of high blood pressure. Spinach is high on nitrates, which can help moderate blood pressure levels and reduce risk of heart disease.

Healthy skinSpinach is rich in vitamin A, which helps regulate oil production in the skin and hair follicles—keeping both moisturized and healthy. By preventing excess oil buildup, it can also reduce the risk of acne. Additionally, vitamin A is essential for the growth and repair of all body tissues, including skin and hair.