March 26th is National Spinach Day! Spinach contains many helpful nutrients, but it is especially high in iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A.
– Iron is an important building block in our blood. It helps move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. If you don’t have enough iron, it could lead to anemia, which may make you feel tired and short of breath.
– Vitamin K helps maintain healthy bones. It also plays an important role in healing wounds or cuts. If you don’t have enough Vitamin K, it could prevent your scratches and bruises from healing properly.
– Vitamin A helps with eyesight, growth, and development, so it’s especially important for kids to get the right amount! It also plays an important role in keeping many of our organs working properly. Most Americans get enough Vitamin A, but it’s still important to keep track and make sure you are getting enough.
– Vitamin C is another important building block in the body that is needed for healthy bones, skin, cartilage, and blood vessels. It also helps build your immune system, and it helps our bodies absorb iron! If you don’t have enough Vitamin C, you could develop scurvy, which can cause bruising, fatigue, and rashes.
All in all, spinach is a great food to work into your diet to help you get the nutrients you need to stay strong and healthy! It can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches; blended and added to smoothies or dips; cooked into soups, sauces, and casseroles; or cooked and eaten as a side dish! Feel free to give this spinach omelet recipe a try!
*If you are worried about getting the right amount of nutrients in your diet, or if you are experiencing any worrying symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Sources: Dietary Guidelines and BBCgoodfood