Everyone knows that leafy greens are good for you. It turns out that Popeye was onto something: Besides providing the body with protein, iron, powerful antioxidants, and a natural glow, spinach may also benefit muscle building. So much for the puny-vegetarian stereotype! It's also one of our favorite dark leafy greens: tender, juicy, and endlessly useful in the kitchen. It's even seasonally versatile; it grows in colder months, but then when you can't find it fresh and local anymore, there is excellent frozen spinach to be had for soups and stir-fries.

Health Benefits of Spinach
Spinach really is just as healthy as you suspect it is. It’s rich in both vitamins and minerals, and is also a source of antioxidants. Among the many vitamins present in large quantities, spinach is a good source of vitamins K, A, and C, all of which are important in creating healthy bones. Spinach is an important source of vitamin B2 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are imperative to a healthy diet.

5 easy ways to eat more healthy spinach
With all of these amazing benefits and so many more, it makes sense to consume spinach regularly… so we’ve gathered a few simple ideas on how you can fit more spinach in to your day!


1. Smoothies:
Adding spinach to your breakfast smoothie is a great way to kickstart your day. If this is a new concept to you, then don’t be scared – while spinach may change the colour, we promise you won’t even be able to taste it! Try it with mango, berries, or orange and pineapple juice for a sweeter combination. To make your yummy beverage thicker in consistency, try avocados, coconut oil or milk, soy (or any other dairy free) yoghurt, or even add a handful of nuts. The options are limitless! Remember, though, that rotating your greens is important for optimal health benefits, and that it is not just spinach that makes a great green smoothie; kale is another great option!

Smoothies are also a happy home for spinach because the iron is more readily absorbed with vitamin C, which is found abundantly in fruits.

2. In omelettes:
Whether you want to power up at breakfast, or make a lazy dinner, adding spinach to an omelette will take it to the next level. Not only will it increase the nutritional benefits of your breakfast, but it will add great colour and texture to the dish.

3. Stir-fry with garlic:
Stir-fried spinach is a wonderful side to serve at dinner, or even lunch. Stir-fried spinach is a wonderful side to serve at dinner, or even lunch.

4. Salads:
a small amount of baby spinach is always delicious mixed with other salad greens, spring mixtures, fresh veggies, nuts and fruits! Baby spinach also adds texture and flavour to the mix, not just a boost in nutrients. Spread your salad further at dinner by adding in another cup of spinach or simply add it for the sake of an extra nutritional ingredient to fuel yourself with.

5. Stir through pastas:
Add spinach to your pasta sauces and stir through pasta after it’s been cooked, or simply serve fresh and raw on top of your pasta dish. The tenderness of the spinach will add to the texture of your dish and add vibrant streaks of green.

6. Blended into soup:
Spinach is great in soups. It cooks up quickly and adds some green color and flavor to a fall soup. Here are some favorites: Spinach and Lemon Soup with Orzo and Spring Spinach and Herb Soup.

7. Slightly boiled:
Boiling your spinach for even just one minute maximizes health benefits and then makes it a really easy addition to pastas, on top of potatoes, you name it. Spinach and tomato sauce is a match made in heaven.

The options for taking advantage of spinach's health benefits and incorporating it into your meals are seemingly endless, as it can be added to most savoury dishes with ease and without affecting the flavour. Let us know your own favourite ways to add spinach to your day in the comments section below!