Spinach is a cool season crop and belongs to the goosefoot family along with Swiss chard and beets. Spinach is low in calories, and is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals, especially iron.

Spinach was the first frozen vegetable to be sold.

Eat more of this super green to help reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration, cancer, heart disease and neural tube defects. Age-related macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people 65 years and older. Lutein and zeaxantin are two carotenoids supplied by spinach that may reduce the risk of this type of macular degeneration and help keep your eyes healthy. Other sources of lutein and zeaxantin are collards, mustard greens, red chili peppers and sweet red peppers. Carotenoids and the antioxidant vitamins C and E in spinach are also believed to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and cataracts. And the healthy dose of potassium and calcium found in spinach can help regulate your blood pressure. The benefits of spinach don’t stop there! Spinach and other leafy greens also provide folic acid, which is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defect and heart disease. Some studies have shown that the compounds in spinach may even improve your memory.

Nutrition Tip: Toss spinach, romaine lettuce and red peppers into your next salad for a nutritional boost!