One of the health benefits of spinach is it can help you relax

More health benefits of this leafy green and a nutritious spinach recipe

By Julie Daniluk, R.H.N.

Spinach is the perfect way to green-up your winter menu. When it's really cold outside, it's natural to crave carbs, but if you want to minimize weight gain in the frigid months, consider a Popeye boost.

Unlike many leafy greens, spinach is sweet and easy to use in any recipe, which is why it's so popular. Last year, the United States Department of Agriculture reported more than 60,000 acres of spinach were harvested. As we move deeper into winter hibernation, we have to get our vegetable intake from wherever possible and spinach is an inexpensive option you can keep in the freezer. I recently discovered an organic, frozen-vegetable company called Green Organic Vegetables Inc. that is available all across Canada.