Battle of the Greens

Ever wondered which is better for you spinach or kale? While both offer many benefits one might override the other in nutrition. Always remember though variety is the absolute best!

If we look at spinach first it has many vitamins and minerals for immunity and cognitive function. It contains more folate, Vit A, Vit K, iron, & magnesium than kale. It contains carotenoids for cell protection. Spinach’s good source of potassium helps regulate your blood pressure.

Are there any negatives to eating lots of spinach? Possibly.  It does contain a good amount of oxalates. These will bind to minerals such as calcium. This can cause kidney stones in sensitive persons. You should also be careful of taking your calcium supplement after eating spinach so you will properly absorb the calcium.

Now, let’s take a look at our buddy kale. Kale is part of the cruciferous family which is wonderful for your detox system run by your liver.  It has almost double the amount of fiber compared to spinach. It also is the winner on Vit C  and manganese content. Vit C is very important for your immunity.

Kale does contain goitrogens which can be harmful for those with thyroid disease. Goitrogens block iodide so the body makes less thyroid hormone. Never fear there is a way to decrease the amount of goitrogens. All you have to do is cook your kale. I love sauteed kale.

So who do you think the nutritional winner is…. For the most part it is spinach.

Above anything else though is variety, so switch it up day to day and keep your taste buds happy.