Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union

THE REAL-LIFE HEALTH BENEFITS OF POPEYE'S FAVORITE VEGETABLE WILL HELP YOU FIGHT TO THE FINISH. Spinach GET A LEAF UP ON HEALTH PROBLEMS One surprising benefit of spinach is its usefulness in skin care. The nutrients found in spinach help relieve the irritation of dry, itchy skin, a common problem in the fall and winter. Drinking spinach juice regularly has been found to improve overall skin health. The vegetable has also been shown to help protect against advanced prostate cancer. In a study with other vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower and kale, spinach was the only one noted as providing significant prostate cancer protection. Spinach has a positive effect on your heart, as well—studies have found that just eating a spinach salad can begin to lower your blood pressure within hours. Imagine what could happen if you regularly added this leafy green to your diet! Freezing spinach diminishes its health benefits, though, so choose fresh over frozen if you have the option. Also, consider buying organic—the leaves of non-organic spinach may be sprayed with pesticides that can be challenging to remove with a quick rinse. Spinach Spinach INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Sauté the onions and garlic in the oil for three minutes (or until onions are translucent) over medium heat. 2. Add broth and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to medium low, add the orzo (or substitute pasta) and simmer for 10 minutes. 3. Add the spinach and tomatoes. Simmer for five more minutes, then add the basil and pepper. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving. INGREDIENTS: 1 onion, diced 2 teaspoons garlic, minced 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth ½ cup orzo pasta (can substitute another tiny pasta) 1 pound fresh spinach, chopped 3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Parmesan cheese (optional) Spinach-Tomato Soup With Orzo Sauté the onions and garlic in the oil for three minutes (or until Sauté the onions and garlic in the oil for three minutes (or until Sauté the onions and garlic in the oil for three minutes (or until Add broth and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to medium low, add Add broth and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to medium low, add Add broth and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to medium low, add Add broth and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to medium low, add Add broth and bring to a boil. Turn down heat to medium low, add SPINACH IS NOT only one of the easiest crops to grow, but it is also a great place to get many of your necessary nutrients. Aside from containing the recommended daily allowance of vitamins A and K, a serving of spinach provides high levels of manganese, folate and cancer- fighting antioxidants. Spinach does contain oxalic acid, which blocks absorption of calcium and iron, but an easy solution is to pair the vegetable with another food that is high in vitamin C. Some delicious options are yellow bell peppers, tomatoes or strawberries on a spinach salad. THE NON-SAILOR'S GUIDE TO

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