My first awareness of this dark green leafy vegetable came as a result of cartoons about that feisty sailor, Popeye. When he emptied a can of spinach into his mouth he instantly transformed into a strongman with muscular biceps.

Perhaps because I was inspired, or perhaps because my mother liked spinach, I grew to like it too, cooked and served with vinegar. I was an adult before I ever tried eating raw spinach. What a difference between fresh, crisp spinach and the stringy stuff that came out of a can. My appreciation for this vegetable increased.

What is Spinach?

Spinach is a leafy vegetable that is believed to have originated in Persia, and is now commonly grown in China and the US. It belongs to the amaranth family and is related to beets and quinoa. In my area of the Midwest, it is considered an early spring crop, easily grown in home gardens.

High in fiber, which aids digestion, spinach is also a rich source of vitamins A, B6, B9, C, E and K. It’s a great source of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium, nitrates, lutein and antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Including more spinach in the diet brings these health benefits:

• Creates an alkaline environment in the body and nourishes the nervous system.

• Removes jelly like viral wastes from the liver that causes mystery weight gain and heart flutters.

• Rejuvenates the skin and helps to heal eczema and psoriasis.

• Improves eyesight and prevents age related macular degeneration.

• Prevents osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and strokes.

• Maintains normal blood pressure.

• Boosts metabolism

• Reduces oxidative stress which slows aging and helps to prevent diabetes and cancer.

• And it does, indeed, strengthen muscles.

How to Enjoy Spinach

Spinach is most beneficial when eaten raw. Combine with other veggies and fruits in salads, add to juices and smoothies, or create spinach pesto.

As one who embraces a plant based lifestyle and follows Medical Medium protocols, an extremely tasty and beneficial way to enjoy this powerful veggie is in raw spinach soup. Combined with other fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, celery, cilantro and garlic, and the surprise ingredient, oranges, this soup can be customized by topping with freshly chopped herbs. Spinach soup is a mainstay of Anthony’s 28 Day Healing Cleanse, and for good reason. It provides an incredible boost to the overall health of the body.

Which is why I featured spinach today for Food Friday. I’m about to begin a 7 Day Cleanse, eating only raw foods for the next week. I may very well continue on for another week, or three or four. Spinach will play a vital role in my cleanse.

I won’t develop huge biceps like Popeye, but like him, consuming spinach daily I will be strong, and full of health and vitality.

Spinach Soup. Photo from the Medical Medium website. Find recipe HERE. Or order Thyroid Healing below.

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