Spinach

Most of us remember the pleas from our parents and grandparents to “eat your spinach so you’ll grow big and tall.” They weren’t far off. Spinach is one of the world’s healthiest vegetables: it’s packed with vitamins, minerals (especially iron and calcium), carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), fibre and a host of other phytonutrients. 

Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia and later introduced to India and China. It probably made it to Europe sometime in the Middle Ages. By the 16th century it reached the taste buds of Catherine de Medici who left her home in Florence to marry the king of France. She supposedly was so addicted to spinach that she brought along her own cooks to prepare it. Ever since, anything prepared on a bed of spinach is referred to as “ à la Florentine.” 

Good food is medicine, and spinach is the perfect example. Studies suggest this leafy green vegetable has anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Spinach may also reduce your chance of cataracts and loss of eyesight as you age. 

Popeye maintained his strength eating spinach (and spitting out the can), but what the cartoon didn’t show you was that he was also protecting himself against inflammation, oxidative stress-related problems, heart disease, bone problems, and cancers at the same time!