What would be the first thing that comes into your mind when you hear the name "Popeye the Sailorman?" It would probably be someone who becomes strong just because he eats spinach. Popeye would do extraordinary things such as beating up his rival Bluto with the help of his spinach. Is this really true?
When this cartoon character was made in 1930, spinach was believed to have amazing amount of iron, the mineral that provides strength and endurance. But Dr. Wolfe, a German scientist who determined the value of spinach, made a mistake! People believed that spinach had ten times more iron than it actually does. But in reality, this leafy vegetable contains phytate, a chemcal that prevents iron from entering the bloodstream. So, spinach is actually an iron blocker!
Does this mean that Popeye was wrong of eating spinach?
Not at all... We now know that spinach contains carotenoids, including beta-carotene, a protection from some types of cancer and lutein, for healthy eyes. It also contains querteetin which ensures healthy lung formation in children. Spinach is also rich in vitamin K, etc., which makes it great in boosting one's immune system.
When this cartoon character was made in 1930, spinach was believed to have amazing amount of iron, the mineral that provides strength and endurance. But Dr. Wolfe, a German scientist who determined the value of spinach, made a mistake! People believed that spinach had ten times more iron than it actually does. But in reality, this leafy vegetable contains phytate, a chemcal that prevents iron from entering the bloodstream. So, spinach is actually an iron blocker!
Does this mean that Popeye was wrong of eating spinach?
Not at all... We now know that spinach contains carotenoids, including beta-carotene, a protection from some types of cancer and lutein, for healthy eyes. It also contains querteetin which ensures healthy lung formation in children. Spinach is also rich in vitamin K, etc., which makes it great in boosting one's immune system.
0 comments:
Post a Comment