“Eat your spinach so you can be strong like Popeye!” While still a child, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it but now as an adult, I understand – my mother and the cartoon creator were part of a propaganda conspiracy towards children.
What I also didn’t realize then is just how amazing the health benefits of spinach are. Spinach is at the top of the super foods list for a reason.
Just take a look at all of the nutrients provided in spinach: vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, magnesium, manganese, Vitamin C, iron, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), potassium, calcium, vitamin E, dietary fiber, folic acid, carotenoids, lutein, omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B3 (niacin), phosphorus, zinc and the list goes on!
Why are these important for health? Let’s start with vitamins A, C, folic acid, dietary fiber and magnesium. These nutrients have been long known for their abilities to ward off cancer, especially lung, breast and colon cancers.
Additionally, folic acid is also important in that it helps prevent a certain birth defect that happens during the first two weeks of pregnancy - before most women even realize they are pregnant. If one keeps in mind that half of all pregnancies are unplanned, this is especially important.
Vitamin A and C are also excellent antioxidants. They actually help prevent the ability of cholesterol to stick to artery walls, which allows for better blood and oxygen flow to the major organs including the heart and brain, thus preventing heart attacks and stroke.
Lutein in spinach has been found to help prevent cataracts. The riboflavin in spinach has shown promise in preventing migraine attacks. The calcium content in spinach is excellent for bone strength and has shown to help prevent against osteoporosis.
A recent study has shown that ingesting 3 servings of dark leafy greens like spinach (kale, collards, Swiss chard, turnip greens and bok choy are also nutrient rich like spinach) per day helped ward of age related memory loss and mental decline by up to 40%!
The iron in spinach is an excellent source for energy which can in turn lead to more physical activity, which can then lead to weight loss and improved muscle tone. At only 40 calories per cup (uncooked), and with more than twice the fiber than regular lettuce, this is a salad which will fill you up.
Unlike the Popeye cartoon, the best way to retrieve the nutrients in spinach is to consume it uncooked as with a spinach salad. Cooked spinach, however, is full of flavor and is quite versatile – it can easily be added to foods for extra taste and nutritional content.
It can be added to lasagna and other pasta dishes, soups and many other meals in order to easily help fulfill your daily dietary needs.
Spinach is great for heart and health but if you have specific concerns, I highly recommend both my High Blood Pressure program and my Weight Loss Breeze program. These programs are all natural, and easy to get started. Best of all, they work!
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