Popeye was right after all. A group of scientists linked together through a network of food companies have demonstrated that spinach contains a higher dose of a number of key antioxidants than most other vegetables.
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reported this week that it has just certified the exact contents of Popeye’s favorite food. NIST confirmed that spinach is rich in the antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein. Although the actual amounts look small (the antioxidants constitute 0.0019% and 0.0033% of the spinach by mass respectively), spinach contains far more of these antioxidants than most other fruits or vegetables.
Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A in the body and is needed for healthy sight, skin and hair. Lutein is a pigment found in the retina and may help guard against eye diseases and age-related macular degeneration. Among its other attributes, spinach also contains a whopping 1.55% dietary fiber (by weight). This amount is much more substantial than other leafy green vegetables.
A high vegetable intake is the “secret”, a fast metabolism that burns fat and retains muscle. Spinach appears to be one of the best vegetable choices athletes can make during their regular visits to the market.
