Note: this piece first appeared in the June 2006 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.
That wonderful leafy green that, in its canned form, gave Popeye the firepower to defeat his enemies, can do great things for you, too! Spinach is a wonderful, tender leafy green with a mild flavor. Despite Popeye’s preferences, it’s best when it’s fresh — both taste-wise and nutrient-wise.
Spinach is high in vitamins K and A and lutein, an important nutrient for eye health. It also contains iron, a vital mineral for hemoglobin production (hemoglobin carries oxygen to all body tissues!), especially considering how low it is in calories compared to other high-iron foods. Spinach is very high in calcium, but it also contains oxalic acid, a compound that can bind to calcium and other minerals, rendering these minerals unabsorbable and therefore not bio-available to your body. So, while spinach is a healthful food, it shouldn’t be consumed every day.
Looking for new ways to enjoy spinach? Check out our spinach recipes. Yum!
