Elderly people in Thika sub-county have been asked to increase their spinach intake as it is rich in vitamin K which is necessary for maintaining healthy bones.
Speaking in her office at Thika Level Five Hospital on Wednesday, nutritionist Jane Macharia said spinach has been proved to contain vitamin K than any other known vegetable.
She said the vegetable is available in many areas within the sub-county and can be found in all seasons throughout the year.
"Spinach is good food yet many people take it as mere accompaniment to their ugali dish or other foods," said Macharia.
She added: "It is rich in vitamins K, C, A, folic acids and iron and I would urge the old and those who want to maintain healthy bones to always consider a portion of spinach in their meals."
Additionally, Macharia said the presence of iron in spinach enables the blood to restore energy and improve in quality as iron is essential in the functioning of red blood cells that transport oxygen in the body.
She also noted that spinach are high in water and fibre essential for preventing constipation and maintaining a health digestive tract.