Popeye may have been a fictional character, but there was nothing false about the nutritional benefits of his favorite food: spinach. This vitamin-rich vegetable is known to contain nutrients that enhance muscle performance and the transmission of energy around your body, which means your metabolism works harder.
About Metabolism
Your metabolism is the rate at which your body converts the food you eat into energy to keep your body functioning. Muscles use up more energy than fat so if you are fit and toned, you are likely to have a higher metabolism than someone who is overweight. No one food can increase your metabolism on its own, but using more calories than you consume is one way to enhance your metabolic rate--and making your muscles work harder is one of the best ways to do this.
Nutritional Properties
Spinach is packed full of potassium, iron, and antioxidants such as vitamin C which fight toxins in your body and prevent cell damage. It also contains fiber, which is difficult for your body to break down and therefore uses up more energy when processing.
Health Benefits
Studies have shown that the nitrates in spinach boost the efficiency of your muscles by reducing the amount of oxygen they need to function. The potassium in spinach helps conduct energy around your body and is particularly beneficial for muscle function. The better your muscles perform, the higher your metabolism.
Recommended Intake and Storage
Spinach is in season from May to October, but it can generally be bought all year round. Look for bright/deep, green leaves and store in your fridge's crisper for up to a week. One portion of spinach is about 300 g, but bear in mind that if you're cooking fresh spinach, it reduces drastically so cook more than you think you need.
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