Healthy Diet
Superfood: Spinach

Superfood: Spinach

March 23, 2009

Skip gallery slides

ck-Wheat Berry, Spinach, and Strawberry Salad Image

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Add a serving of leafy spinach to help protect against heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Superfood: Spinach

Photography by:Beau Gustafson

Superfood: Spinach
Leafy green spinach is loaded with an army of beneficial nutrients to protect the body from cancer and disease. Spinach has 13 flavanoids that help to fight cancer, protect against age related memory loss, and prevent heart disease.
The magnesium in spinach helps to lower high blood pressure and protect against heart disease, while vitamins C and A also benefit the heart by preventing cholesterol from becoming oxidized in the body. Spinach also contains vitamin E that may help slow the loss of mental function, and vitamin K that helps maintain bone health.

2 of 10

Brown Butter Gnocchi

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Brown Butter Gnocchi Recipe
Just a small amount of nutty browned butter is needed to coat the gnocchi and distribute enough flavor to keep this superfast pasta dish below 300 calories. Add chopped cook chicken breast for additional protein.

3 of 10

Sautéed Snapper with Plum Tomatoes and Spinach

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Sautéed Snapper with Plum Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Bursting with vitamin C from the superfoods tomato and spinach as well as heart-healthy olive oil, this simple sautéed snapper makes a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner.

4 of 10

Pork Stuffed with Feta and Spinach

Pork Chops Stuffed with Feta and Spinach

Lee Harrelson; Jan Gautro

Pork Stuffed with Feta and Spinach Recipe
Mediterranean flavors like feta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh lemon, and oregano highlight the creamy spinach filling. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach before combining with the other ingredients. The filling can also be used to stuff chicken breasts or pork tenderloin.

5 of 10

Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip

Photo: Oxmoor House

Spinach-and-Artichoke Dip Recipe
Your guests will never know that this indulgent, cheesy, and warm appetizer is chock-full of beneficial nutrients. Vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber from the spinach and artichokes help to fight heart disease and lower blood pressure.

6 of 10

Spinach and Leek Frittata

Randy Mayor; Jan Gautro

Spinach and Leek Frittata Recipe
This one-pan, meatless breakfast uses egg substitute instead of whole eggs to keep the cholesterol, calories, and fat to a minimum while maintaining the flavor. Spinach, onions, red bell peppers, and potatoes provide an array of vitamins and minerals and give the frittata a hearty texture.

7 of 10

Spinach Salad with Spiced Pork

Photo: Beau Gustafson; Styling: Jan Gautro

Spinach Salad with Spiced Pork Recipe
Spice up this quick dinner with sautéed pork medallions marinated in hot chile sauce. Top baby spinach and Napa cabbage with the pork for a satisfying dinner that rounds out at only 202 calories.

8 of 10

Spinach and Feta-Stuffed Focaccia

Becky Luigart-Stayner; Melanie J. Clarke and Celine Chenoweth

Spinach and Feta-Stuffed Focaccia Recipe
Similar to a calzone, this stuffed focaccia is loaded with calcium and magnesium-rich spinach. Serve it to your little ones or anyone wanting to build strong bones.

9 of 10

Seasoned Spinach

Photo: Karry Hosford

Seasoned Spinach Recipe
Enhance your brainpower with a side of flavonoid-rich spinach. Studies have found that spinach helps to protect against age-related memory loss. Pair with baked salmon for a double dose of brain-boosting nutrients.

10 of 10

Wheat Berry, Spinach, and Strawberry Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Wheat Berry, Spinach, and Strawberry Salad Recipe

This super spinach salad is topped with strawberries, wheat berry mixture, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, and more.

Replay gallery

Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

Superfood: Spinach