Spinach is undeniably a versatile green vegetable – not only healthy and delicious, it’s also known for being the world’s easiest side dish – simply poke the bag with a fork, microwave and it’s ready to go.

But what of its acclaimed health benefits? We asked Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietitian for the Health and Food Supplements Information Service, about the benefits and the myths behind Popeye’s leafy green vegetable of choice.

“Spinach is one of your five-a-day as well as being a powerhouse of vital nutrients, such as vitamins A, C & K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, folate and iron,” explains Dr Ruxton. Green vegetables like spinach are also known for their high zinc content, which is important in any diet but especially for vegans.

“It also contains a small amount of dietary fibre which is great for gut health, and natural bioactive substances called carotenoids which are found in carrots too.”

“Spinach is a quick way to top up on the nutrients that women often lack,” says Dr Ruxton. “The benefits of the nutrients in spinach mostly relate to bone health (calcium, magnesium and vitamin K), skin and eye health (vitamin A, vitamin C and carotenoids), reproductive health (folate) and energy levels (iron).

“However, it’s worth noting that only 10% of the iron in spinach gets absorbed so you’d be better off taking a multi-nutrient supplement if you’re concerned about low iron levels. Around a third of women have low iron stores in their bodies.”

Spinach is naturally rich in compounds called nitrates which can promote heart health. In fact, some studies have suggested that nitrate-rich foods, such as spinach, may also help heart attack survival.

Spinach also contains high levels of zeaxanthin and lutein (powerful antioxidants) which are linked to improving eye health.

Several studies indicate that zeaxanthin and lutein work to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, which are major causes of blindness.

According to new research, eating just one cup of leafy green vegetables every day could boost muscle function.

The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition from Edith Cowan University, Australia, found that people who consumed a nitrate-rich diet, predominantly from vegetables, had significantly better muscle function of their lower limb.

However, some nutritionists remain unconvinced.

“This new Australian research is simply a survey, not a clinical trial,” says Dr Ruxton. “And diets were measured in a very basic way using a questionnaire. We simply don’t know what else the green vegetable consumers in this study were doing in their diets and lifestyles that could have helped their muscle function. A recent clinical trial giving athletes mashed spinach – rich in nitrates – found no effects on muscle function.”

So, by weight, typical kale does contain more calcium and vitamin B6 than typical spinach, but kale contains less iron, magnesium or potassium than spinach.

Either way, there’s no evidence to suggest that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables with kale is any better than eating plenty of them without.

Spinach salad 

A really versatile lunch is a spinach salad with grapefruit segments, chickpeas, cubes of apple, red pepper slices and chopped parsley.

Spinach berry smoothie

Whizz this spinach berry smoothie together after a workout to reap the nutritional benefits. 300ml of water, baby spinach, blueberries, raspberries, a scoop of yoghurt, one tablespoon of your favourite protein powder, one teaspoon honey and blend until smooth.

Spinach side 

Spinach can also be steamed and served with a lean beef steak and roasted sweet potato chips, “adding red meat to spinach actually boosts the iron absorption,” says Dr Ruxton.

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IMAGES: UNSPLASH