1 Popeye's predilection for spinach when he needed a strength boost wasn't artistic license. It contains muscle-enhancing compounds beta-ecdysterone, which can increase muscle size and strength, and octacosanol, which promotes strength.
2 One 3-ounce serving contains 20 calories, 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, 0 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. It also contains 160% of the RDA for vitamin A and 510% of the RDA for vitamin K.
3 Three cups contain 3 mg of iron. To maximize uptake, eat spinach with foods high in vitamin C. Add strawberries, oranges or grapefruit to a spinach salad, or make this dressing: Whisk 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
4 Spinach is rich in the amino acid glutamine, which raises growth-hormone levels and levels of protein-synthesis-boosting leucine in muscle tissue, decreases muscle breakdown and helps maintain your immune system.
5 Teeth feel gritty or squeaky after eating spinach? That's a result of oxalic acid bonding with calcium and being deposited on your teeth. Not to worry, a quick tooth-brushing should do the trick.
Muscle & Fitness magazine
