Spinach

Spinach

Spinacia oleracea
Amaranthaceae

Popeye wasn’t kidding when he said eating spinach was his trick to being fit and strong. Spinach is one of the most nutrient filled foods in the world and has been in the food spotlight for the last few years thanks to baby spinach salads and creamy spinach dips.

What makes spinach so special is the number of amazing nutrients that it packs into its small leafy frame. Spinach is rich in vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B. It also has an abundance of folate, iron, calcium, zinc, protein, copper, magnesium, selenium and fiber. Spinach is similar to salmon in that it contains the amazing omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, it has lutein and many flavonoid compounds. With so many nutrients Popeye is starting to look like a smart guy! The healing properties of spinach are practically endless. Here are a few:

1. Flavonoid compounds make it effective in cancer prevention

2. Carotenoid compounds help maintain good prostate health

3. Vitamin K helps keep bones healthy and strong

4. Vitamins C and A help prevent heart attacks by cleaning up the free radicals in your blood stream

5. Promotes colon health

6. Protects against dangerous diseases like dementia

7. Helps brain function after a stroke

With so many healing attributes it’s no surprise that spinach has become a popular item at the dinner table. Baby spinach salads are the fad right now but there are many other ways to eat spinach. If you’re in a southern cooking mood you can try cooking creamed spinach or wet spinach, which is, similar to collard greens. If you want more of a lunchtime favorite try spinach on top of a chicken breast in a pita or use it to complement a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad.
Bonus Tip: spinach is best eaten raw for the maximum nutrient punch... if you cook it avoid doing so for too long as it can lose up to 50% of its mineral content.

NOTE: spinach has goitrogens which can inhibit thyroid function therefore we like to suggest to people experiencing hypothyroidism to limit its consumption, and to enjoy it cooked. As we said before not all people experiencing hypothyroidism respond the same way to goitrogenic foods. That is why weencourage these people to be very aware of the unique way their bodies respond and to eat with gusto and joy, never with fear!