Spinach!
A Popular Sailors Trick to a Strong and Healthy Life!
“I am what I am, and that’s all that I am” – Popeye the Sailor Man speaking
There’s a secret reason why Popeye’s arms are so big and strong! This animated character’s favorite food, spinach is a “superfood” loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s National Fresh Spinach Day, July 16th and we’re celebrating that spinach is rich with iron, the highest for any green leafy veggies around.
Why is iron so important to the body?
Iron promotes healthy hair follicles, regulation of growth of cells, and helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Primarily, iron tag teams with hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body. Iron gives hemoglobin the power to bind (or “carry”) oxygen in the blood, so oxygen can go where it needs to go. When iron is low, the body cannot make hemoglobin which in turn makes fewer red blood cells and tissues and organs will not get the oxygen required to function properly.
Iron deficiency is a very common medical condition that affects more than 3 million Americans each year. The symptoms include feeling weak or fatigue, shortness of breath, and unusual food cravings (for dirt, ice, or clay). Read more about Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Stay Healthy
Stay healthy by getting the recommended daily dose of iron by including spinach in a smoothie or in a casserole. Check out the Food Network for some spinach recipes! We love Spinach!
