Fitness celebrity Popeye was a big fan of spinach. Was he correct? Or was he full of it, especially considering the food sickness scares of recent years?
This personal trainer says “be like Popeye and eat your spinach”! But, clean it good first.
What’s so good about it?
How about vitamins A and C, folate, lutein, beta carotene, and fiber. It reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer and macular degeneration. Frozen spinach appears to retain the beta carotene longer than fresh, and cooking spinach makes the lutein more absorbable.
What to look for?
When fresh, spinach leaves can be crinkled or flat, and should be crisp and bright green. Avoid yellow, wet, or rotting leaves. You can also get it frozen or canned.
What to do with it?
Fresh spinach should be thoroughly cleaned by placing in a bowl of water and swishing around, then put in a colander to drain. Repeat this several times with fresh water until the water is clear afterward. Pat or spin dry.
To store fresh spinach, wrap it in a paper towel, place inside a plastic bag and put in the refrigerator.
Use like lettuce in salads or add to soups, stews, or pasta dishes. You can also cook it in a pan by covering and simmering for 2-4 minutes, until it wilts. No water needed. Or you can also steam or saute it in olive oil with garlic for 3-4 minutes.
Popeye was right, spinach is very good for you. Clean it carefully as described and it will be fine – as will you.
Tags: healthy eating, risky foods, spinach