We all grew up watching the Popeye cartoons where he would eat a can of spinach then whoop ass on Bluto. Well you wont get exactly that effect but adding spinach to your smoothie is a very healthy additive! Most or you are most likely turning your nose up at the idea thinking ‘ugh drinking spinach? that would taste terrible’. well when mixed with the right ratio of fruit you wont even notice it. Best fruit to mix it with is pineapple, you will taste nothing else!
Spinach his is a very nutrient-dense food. Low in calories yet a very high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially raw in a smoothie. It is a rich source of vitamins A, C, E, K, B2, B6, manganese, folate, betaine, iron, calcium, folic acid, copper, protein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. And I know I left some out!
Spinach is also loaded with flavonoids which act as antioxidants, protecting the body from free radicals. Studies have discovered many flavonoid compounds act as anti-cancer substances. Spinach is also a heart healthy veggie as its loaded with folate (good for a healthy cardiovascular system), as well as magnesium (helps to lower high blood pressure) and potassium (which promotes heart health).
Whats also great about this little green leaf? Its everywhere! You can get it at any supermarket, farmers market or health food store practically anywhere in the world. This also makes it an inexpensive food item since it dosen’t need to be brought in from any great distance. In fact it is very easy to grow in your own backyard! I know when we start up our garden again we will have lots of spinach plants. Till then I always keep a bag of baby spinach on hand in the fridge.
Spinach in a smoothie is also the best way to get the most out of all these nutrients. When you cook the spinach most of the vitamins and minerals are depleted and lost. This doesn’t mean that cooked spinach is bad for you, as cooking does increase other health benefits from our leafy friend. But to get all the vitamin goodies throw a handful of raw spinach into that blender and knock out one of your daily servings of veggies. When adding spinach it is typically best if its one of the first ingredients put into you blender container (remember the softest and liquids go first) your fruit chunks will then weigh the spinach down to the blades making it easier to blend.
So whats your take? Going to start adding spinach?
Those that know me know I have bouts of general anxiety disorder (sometimes not so general) So i my reading on finding ways to reduce or eliminate my anxiety I have found that Omega 3s are quite helpful. In studies those that have increased their Omega 3s had shown a reduction in anxiety and depression. Most people get their Omega 3s from fish and fish oil tablets. A better way is in a smoothie!
