Let’s face it….Popeye is not the only one who loves his Spinach. You walk into a Mediterranean restaurant and what do you see as a side dish, a main dish and even as an appetizer?? SPINACH.
Spinach is one of the main foods in the Mediterranean diet, and it can help keep us healthy and strong.
Below are 7 Facts about Spinach
1. There are two varieties of spinach: older and new.
- Older types: die off quicker in warmer conditions; have narrow leaves; stronger and more bitter taste
- Newer varieties: grow faster in warm weather.
2. There are three basic types of spinach: 1) flat/smooth, 2) Savoy/curly 3) five star. You can purchase spinach at the market fresh, canned or frozen. (although you should NEVER EVER buy anything in a can).
- The flat/smooth type is easy to clean; usually found in canned or frozen; used in soups, baby foods or other processed foods.
- The savoy is usually purchased fresh.
- Five star usually has the seed with it.
3. Spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially when fresh, steamed, or quickly boiled.
4. It is a rich source of vitamin A (in lutein), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, folate, betaine, iron, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, folic acid, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Opioids which help to relive pain have been found in spinach. Are you feeling pain? Try spinach for relief…
6. Are you pregnant? Spinach is an excellent source of folic acid. It is important to know that boiling spinach can decrease the folate into half.
7. Spinach contains a high amount of iron and calcium but it is difficult for the body to absorb them due to the oxalate in the spinach.
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