Spinach-In-Me Smoothie: Popeye The Sailor-Man Returns

It’s Popeye the Sailor-Man! Indeed he has captured the hearts of mine and many others around the world. Being a good guy with bulging forearms as I recall now…he surely does love Olive Oyl and his canned of spinach.

"I'm strong to the finish, 'cause I eat me Spinach, I'm Popeye the sailor man! (toot, toot)".

The theme song I can’t forget!

Spinach oh spinach. Reinforced by the image of Popeye getting stronger after eating spinach, I’ve had a special place for this green in my LOVE KITCHEN and on my plate!

This eye-appealing green leafy spinach is really by far one of my top favourite greens which is a powerhouse of nutrients.

I think spinach is the most common green used in green smoothies because it has a mild flavor, a soft texture and is easy to blend. The flavor of spinach is easy to mask with fruit as well.

For the last few days I have been secretly making this smoothie in my LOVE KITCHEN. Yeap, no one knows. It was a secret until now!!

I absolutely love the creamy taste of this smoothie that comes with some sweetness and a hint of sour taste from the lemon. The flavours of the ingredients blend in harmony. I absolutely love it. I could drink this smoothie everyday especially on a hot day knowing that I've created something that is super healthy and absolutely yummy to the taste.

Here is the recipe of a rather simple smoothie that is made of only 4 ingredients, yet is packed with so much vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that is so so good for our body.

SPINACH-IN-ME SMOOTHIE RECIPE

Ingredients:

2 Large Frozen Bananas (skin removed)

1 ripe avocado (skin removed and pitted)

2 handfuls of spinach leaves

1 lemon (extract the juice only)

1/2 to 1 cup of filtered water (depending on the consistency you desire)

Cut the bananas and avocado into smaller slices. Put all ingredients into a blender and blend the ingredients until creamy and smooth. Transfer into a glass, serve cold and enjoy every sip of this smoothie!

I wonder if Popeye the Sailor-Man ever returns and will this smoothie helps Popeye against the world’s most notorious hamburger-obsessed moocher? The POWER OF CLEAN-EATING and RAW. Let’s find out about the benefits of the ingredients that make Popeye raws!

Spinach:

Popeye says, “Spinach is full of ‘Vitamin A’ and tha’s what makes hoomans strong an’ helthy.”

Spinach is perhaps the most amazing green vegetable. It has a good source of Vitamin A which helps to build immunity, as vitamin A is of high importance in protecting mucous membranes including the respiratory, urinary and intestinal tract. While white blood cells called lymphocytes rely on Vitamin A to help fight infection. Additionally, it is also good news for healthy skin as high concentrations of Vitamin A help the skin stay healthy, retain moisture and fight acne, thickening and wrinkles.

A few notable facts which I would like to highlight here includes:

• Vit K: important for maintaining bone health

• Lutein and zeaxanthin: are potent antioxidants that protect against age related vision deterioration. Also play a vital role in protecting the macula and the retina in general.

• Antioxidants Vit C, Beta Carotene and manganese: oxidative stress is a key contributor to numerous health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and an overall decrease in longevity. The presence of folate and vitamin C along with beta-carotene make this green powerful in guarding our gastrointestinal health.

Also, there are more than a dozen different flavonoid compounds in spinach and these are powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer fighting agents.

Other benefits of spinach include aid in the regulation of blood pressure (inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme), calcification (Calcium buildup in blood vessels is a contributing factor to heart disease and stroke), Vitamin K ( prevent calcium from depositing in tissues and blood vessels and brain function (the protective sheath around our nerves relies on vitamin K to help synthesize this vital protective covering. Vitamin K found in spinach is essential for the overall health of our nervous system).

Research has shown that spinach leaves that look fully alive have greater concentrations of vitamin C than spinach leaves that are pale in color. The study suggests that the greater supply of vitamin C helps protect all of the oxygen-sensitive phytonutrients in the spinach leaves and makes them looking vibrant and alive.

There you go. Let's savour this smoothie right away, shall we?!

I wish you abundance of health and joy!

Lots of love,

Aina