Celebrating Spinach (Plus 4 Tasty Recipes!)

Did you know that spinach is mostly water? Spinach is made up of about 91% water, which explains why cooked spinach “shrinks” so much. Cook up a bowl of this dark green vegetable on March 26th for National Spinach Day.

You are probably familiar with the cartoon Popeye and his love for spinach. That infatuation is because spinach is a nutrient-rich superfood. It provides macronutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are vital to everyday bodily functions.

Not only is it good for you, but spinach is tasty too. You can eat spinach in its raw form or cook it into something delicious. While spinach is often a side dish, many popular entrees utilize its vibrant coloring and taste to enhance the dish.

5 Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is loaded with so many nutrients that can improve your overall health. One cup of raw spinach is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that can help fight off some chronic disease.

Here are 5 of the health benefits of spinach:

1. Energy: When you have a low count of iron, you can feel tired and weak. Spinach is considered a great source of iron, even more so when the spinach is cooked. Improve the absorption of iron by pairing your intake with a Vitamin C containing food like citrus slices.

2. Muscle and Nerve Function: The mineral magnesium is used in muscle contractions as well as nerve transmission. Spinach is a great source of magnesium with 24 mg per serving (1 cup raw).

3. Blood Glucose: There are numerous antioxidants in spinach, however, one of them, alpha-lipoic acid, has been shown to lower blood glucose levels. It has also been shown to prevent oxidative stress, which can affect blood glucose control.

4. Cancer Risk: Just like many green vegetables, spinach contains chlorophyll which is effective in blocking harmful carcinogenic effects, preventing the growth of cancer.

5. Heart Health: Potassium is another mineral that is used to regulate blood pressure as well as aid in muscle contraction and nerve function.

5 Tasty Ways to Eat Spinach

While you can always eat a simple salad using spinach as the base, eating dishes that incorporate more of the flavoring spinach has to offer is more fun. Here are some of my favorite spinach dishes:

1. Sautéed Spinach: This is a simple dish to make, but it so yummy. All you need is spinach, garlic, and olive oil, and you have the perfect addition to any meal.

2. Spinach and Artichoke Dip: I cannot pass up this appetizer whenever it is on the menu. This creamy dip is easy to make at home, and always a hit.

3. Spinach Spanakopita: Many cultures all over the world have embraced spinach and use it to make the perfect dishes. Spanakopita is a great on-the-go food that is delicious and unique.

4. Garlic-Butter Ravioli with Spinach: You may have never thought to mix ravioli with spinach, however, once you try it, you will never look back. Once you make your ravioli, swap the sauce for garlic and sauteed spinach.

5. Chickpea Spinach Curry: Many Indian restaurants have a chickpea and spinach dish on the menu; however, you can easily make this dish at home. It is full of flavor and also inexpensive to make!

Your Turn to Action: What dish are you going to whip up for National Spinach Day? Let me know in the comments below.

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