By: Valerie Ann Dismaya
It may not be a popular vegetable in the Philippines, but spinach found its way into global recognition thanks to a classic cartoon character, Popeye the Sailor Man.
In 1929, the cartoon became a massive hit in America.
At the time, children disliked anything green on their plate, including spinach.
But the image of Popeye gaining “super strength” after eating a can of spinach encouraged children to give the vegetable a try.
The message was simple: eat spinach, get strong.
The strategy worked so well that during the Great Depression, spinach consumption in the United States rose by almost 33 percent, benefiting farmers who relied on the crop for their livelihood.
Beyond pop culture, spinach is rich in vitamins A and K, high in fiber and antioxidants, and low in calories.
According to the Food Literacy Center, spinach earned the title “Prince of Vegetables” because of its impressive health benefits.
Its iron content also helps strengthen the body and boost energy.
Thanks to Popeye, parents, especially in America, continue to use the character to encourage their children to eat vegetables.
