Spinach: Superhero of the Leafy Greens!

Spinach, and it’s green leafy sidekicks (arugula, kale, chard), are some of the healthiest foods on earth.

Loaded with health benefits, this superfood is a superb source of bone-building vitamin K. It’s also a good source of vitamin A (in the form of carotenes), folate, calcium, and magnesium. In addition to the rich source of vitamins and minerals, the anti-inflammatory antioxidants in spinach work together to cool inflammation, support eye health, reduce cardiovascular disease, and prevent cancer.
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Spinach is a very versatile and delicious addition to many different meals. Available year-round, spinach can be enjoyed raw in salads and veggie juices or lightly cooked in side dishes, soups, and stews. Baby spinach is convenient for tossing into salads. Frozen spinach is also a quick option for blending in veggie juices. Opt for organic whenever possible to reduce your pesticide exposure.

Anthony William, the Medical Medium says the following about spinach:
“Raw spinach is a mineral rich superfood. It is packed with protein, iron, beta carotene, and chlorophyll, all essential nutrients that help strengthen the immune system and keep bones and muscles strong. Raw spinach is also one of nature’s best natural laxatives, aiding in keeping the digestive tract healthy and running smoothly. It is also especially beneficial for keeping your eyesight and cognitive function sharp and in good condition. Some ways to add more fresh spinach to your diet is to use it in salads, blend it with ripe bananas for a delicious green smoothie, or juice it with celery and apples for a healthy, healing drink. Adding more fresh spinach to your daily meals will restore your energy, increase your vitality, and improve your frame of mind.”

Here’s a link to the Medical Medium’s Raw Spinach Soup!

Spinach, Apple and Walnut Salad With Vinaigrette
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
To taste, sea salt and black pepper
2 5-ounce packages (1 1/2 pounds or 8 cups) baby spinach leaves
2 small Granny Smith apples (or 1 large), cored, diced
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions

• In a large bowl, use a fork to whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Add spinach and toss to combine. 
• Divide the spinach among 4 salad bowls. Top with apples and walnuts. Serve immediately. 
• This salad is delicious on its own as a side dish or served with chicken for a 2-person meal. You can even add crumbled goat cheese for a big flavor boost.

Garlic Sautéed Spinach
Serves 2-4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon coconut oil, butter or Ghee
2 cloves garlic, sliced thin
2 5-ounce packages (1 1/2 pounds or 8 cups) baby spinach leaves
To taste, sea salt and black pepper
Instructions

• Preheat a large sauté pan (or skillet) over medium heat. Once hot, add butter and swirl to coat the pan.
• Add garlic and spinach. Stir constantly for 1 minute or until all the spinach has wilted. Serve immediately. 

Steamed Spinach
Serves 2-4
Ingredients
2 5-ounce packages (1 1/2 pounds or 8 cups) baby spinach leaves or about 4 bunches of spinach, chopped
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and add a steamer basket. 
Turn heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add spinach, cover and cook for 30 seconds or until all the spinach has wilted. 
Transfer to a large bowl immediately and toss with flavorful ingredients such as butter, lemon juice, and sea salt. This simple side tastes great served with grilled salmon, poached eggs, or garlic-roasted chicken.

Quick Tip
A super simple way to enjoy lightly cooked spinach is to stir it into a dish during the last minute of cooking, such as a stew, soup, or sautéed mushrooms.

Dark Leafy Greens
Dark green leafy vegetables are, calorie for calorie, one of the most concentrated sources of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, among many other effects.