“I’m strong to the finich, ’cause I eats me spinach.
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man!”
Grammar aside, Popeye the Sailor had it right. Spinach packs a powerful nutritional punch! You may not miraculously grow huge muscles after downing some spinach, but you will be healthier and stronger with regular consumption.
Benefits of spinach include:
Strength building and better cellular function due to the abundance of nitrates. These natural nitrates feed muscular mitochondria, which help to regulate blood pressure, the immune system, and cell metabolism.
It not only helps in the building of muscle but can slow down muscle loss in older adults.
It is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These antioxidants battle disease-causing free radicals, unstable molecules known to damage the cells in our bodies.
Spinach helps to control cholesterol because of the presence of lutein.
Spinach is also rich in vitamin K, improving bone-mineral density, thus protecting against osteoporosis and reducing fracture rates.
Spinach is high in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and selenium, which all help to protect the liver and fight Alzheimer’s.
Fresh or frozen, it’s a versatile vegetable, that I add to many dishes for extra nutrition.
Eat it in a salad or sautee it in a pan with garlic, and don’t forget the Olive Oyl!
Marty Musikant
