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Spinach
Spinacia oleraceaLeafy green packed with vitamins K, A, C; mineral iron; and folate; supports eye, bone, and heart health.

Spinach

/SPIN-uh-ch/
N/A

Quick Verdict

Spinach proves that nutrition starts in the soil—and in the stories we tell about meals.

Vegan
Child Safe
Gluten Free
Non-Allergen
Source
Natural
Daily Limit (ADI)
Not established; rely on balanced intake
"A standard serving is 1 cup raw spinach (30 g) or 1/2 cup cooked; used daily in salads, smoothies, sautés."
Global Regulatory Status
USA
General dietary guidance; safe
EU
Safe to consume as part of a balanced diet
AU
Commonly consumed; no restrictions
JP
Popular in cuisine

Spinach: The Verdant Hero on Your Plate

On market mornings, spinach hangs in lush, velvet bundles, a quiet hero leaning toward the sun. I tell reporters a story: soil and sun give spinach its bright, earthy sweetness, but real nourishment comes from REAL FOOD SOURCES beyond the leaf. A handful of spinach fuels a meal, yet its true power is the way it nudges a family toward balance: vitamin K from spinach and kale protects bones, vitamin A keeps eyes bright, vitamin C helps iron shine when paired with beans, lentils, or citrus. The leaves invite other real foods onto the plate—garlic sizzles in olive oil, citrus zests wake up the greens, and whole grains offer staying power. Spinach isn't a lone star; it's a chorus of foods.

From Market Stall to Meal: Spinach as a Story Teller

At midday the spinach leaves come from field to market, a green passport stamped by sun and rain. In the kitchen, a grandmother drops a handful into warm olive oil, garlic sighing in the pan. The steam carries a whisper of stories: spinach can wear many flavors—mild in a salad, bold in a curry, silky in a smoothie. Real food sources nearby—the beans that boost iron, the tomatoes that brighten vitamin C, the yogurt that adds calcium—join the scene, proving nutrition travels in pairs and small piles of produce, not pills. The leaf teaches a recipe for daily life: plan with the seasons, vary your greens, and savor the simple act of eating real food. It nourishes body and story alike.

Safeguard Your Spinach: Storage, Safety, and Simple Tips

Spinach, when fresh, wears a sheen of earth and promise. Store it unwashed in the fridge, wrapped loosely, to keep its crisp whisper until meals. Wash just before use to avoid soggy wilt. Lightly sauté with garlic, drizzle with lemon, and fold into eggs or pasta for a quick, nutrient-rich dinner. But remember oxalates: those tiny crystals can bind minerals; balance spinach with other iron sources like beans or lentils, and pair with vitamin C foods to aid iron absorption. For buyers, look for deep-green leaves and no slimy edges. Cooked spinach loses volume but concentrates flavor and nutrients, making a perfect side or hearty addition to soups, stews, and emerald-green smoothies. Frozen spinach is a handy backup.

Found in 894 Products

Common Questions

Q: Is spinach safe to eat every day?
Generally yes as part of a varied diet, but those on blood thinners should monitor vitamin K intake.
Q: Does spinach contain oxalates I should worry about?
Spinach does contain oxalates; people with kidney stones should moderate intake and consult a clinician.
Q: What are the best ways to include spinach in meals?
Raw in salads, sautéed as a side, stirred into soups, smoothies; pairing with vitamin C foods enhances iron absorption.

Risk Score

2/ 10
Also Known As:
Spinach LeavesGreen SpinachBaby Spinach
Healthy Alternatives
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Collard greens