Spinach Is the Best Brain Food. Here's Why

Leafy greens make good brain food—enquiry shows that spinach can keep your memory in good working order.

You know night leafy greens similar spinach are good for you. It's one of the superfoods to put on your shopping list, after all. Just did yous know that spinach is proficient brain food, as well? Popeye was on the correct track with his daily dose of spinach!

Why you should eat more greens

Spinach and other leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard and collards are jam-packed with practiced-for-your-encephalon nutrients, such as folate, iron, calcium and vitamins E and K. This appears to offering the brain protection by fending off things like dementia in older adults.

Evidence from the Mind diet—which combines the popular Mediterranean nutrition and DASH diet, 2 eating patterns that take been recognized as outstanding for wellness—pinpoints leafy greens, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower amongst the top brain foods. It turns out that eating the correct vegetables volition continue your brain seven and a half years younger and reduce the risk of Alzheimer'south disease by 53 per centum!

Find meals that give your brain a heave.

During the MIND nutrition research, salubrious older adults were cognitively evaluated for almost five years to run across how their diets afflicted their brain health. The results revealed that participants who ate at to the lowest degree a serving of leafy greens—that's ane cup raw, or a half cup cooked—each solar day were shown to proceed their brains in good working order.

For good mental health, aim to have a serving of leafy greens at least half dozen times per week. Spinach is one of those leafy greens that can easily fit into your lifestyle—whether it's frozen, raw or cooked, your brain tin do good.

What makes spinach good brain food?

The answer may exist in the B vitamin folate. It'south been shown to reduce levels of homocysteine—a compound that can be toxic to neurons. Folate levels are amped up in dark green, leafy vegetables, as well as citrus fruits, legumes and other vegetables. Get creative with spinach past using it for omelets, salads, soups, casseroles, wraps and smoothies.

Whip upward these super spinach recipes

Bacon and Spinach Pizza

Our go-to pizza is a snap to brand using packaged pizza crust and ready-to-serve bacon. The kids don't even heed the spinach on top! —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois

Spinach Burritos

I made upwards this recipe a couple years ago after trying a like dish in a restaurant. Our oldest son tells me these burritos are 'awesome'! Plus, they're easy and inexpensive. —Dolores Zornow, Poynette, Wisconsin

Gnocchi with Spinach and Chicken Sausage

Dinner is easy when I can use ingredients typically found in my refrigerator and pantry. —Laura Miller, Lake Ann, Michigan

Spinach Quesadillas

My family unit gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as presently as it wilts then it keeps a picayune bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri

Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Our children call these "Gramby Meatballs" because the recipe came from my dear mother in law. It's a great fashion to make spinach palatable. I normally make a triple batch, broil them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York

Bow Tie & Spinach Salad

With pasta salad, it'due south piece of cake to change upwards ingredients. We like to add together grilled chicken and pine nuts, and sometimes we substitute blackness beans for the garbanzo beans. —Julie Kirkpatrick, Billings, Montana

Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl

This Cardinal lime and coconut smoothie bowl is the most refreshing affair on the planet! —Madeline Butler, Denver, Colorado

Spinach Dip-Stuffed Mushrooms

I use a melon baller to hollow out the mushroom caps and make them easier to stuff. The apps fit neatly into muffin tins or a deviled egg tray for traveling. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario

Spinach and Tortellini Soup

A simple tomato plant-enhanced goop is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to accommodate your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina

Sausage & Spinach Calzones

These quick, comforting calzones are perfect for easy meals—or fifty-fifty a midnight snack. My co-workers e'er ask me to make them when it'southward my turn to bring in tiffin. —Kourtney Williams, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Beefiness & Spinach Lo Mein

If you like a expert stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein volition definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it'due south now a favorite go-to repast. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio

Baked Spinach Dip Loaf

Whatever round loaf works as a serving bowl for this cream-cheesy dip, with spinach, cheddar, water chestnuts and, yes, salary. Scoop the dip with the extra breadstuff and veggies—then consume the bowl! —Frieda Meding, Trochu, Alberta

Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Finding healthy recipes the family volition eat is a claiming. This elegant squash is one we dear, and it works with pork or chicken sausage, too. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Crustless Spinach Quiche

I served this crustless quiche at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when ane guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was 1 of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin

Artichoke Florentine Pasta

Pasta loaded with artichokes and flossy cheese is everything a Sunday dinner should be: rich, tasty and memorable. Add cooked chicken, shrimp or crab if you like. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana

Cheesy Spinach

My daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church building suppers. Even people who don't usually consume spinach similar this flavorful dish once they try it. There are never any leftovers. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois

Whole Wheat Waffles with Craven & Spinach Sauce

On a business organisation trip years agone, I got the idea for waffles with chicken and spinach. When I serve it, people get dorsum for seconds, even thirds. —Vicki Melies, Elkhorn, Nebraska

Artichoke & Spinach Dip Pizza

When I'm making this pizza and I accept garlic oil in my pantry, I bandy it for regular oil. It adds a little something without overpowering the toppings. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Rainbow Quiche

With enough of veggies and a flossy egg-cheese filling, this tasty quiche gets rave reviews every fourth dimension I make information technology! —Lilith Fury, Adena, Ohio

Artichoke Spread with Garlic Bread

I've tried several dissimilar artichoke dip recipes, but this 1 is the absolute best! I serve it at almost every family gathering and in that location are never any leftovers. This is probably my almost-requested recipe. —Heidi Iacovetto, Phippsburg, Colorado

Cheesy Potato Egg Broil

I whipped upwards this cozy egg bake with white potato crowns for an easy "brinner." Employ add-ins yous like – sweetness peppers, onions, broccoli, carrots. The possibilities are endless. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin

I honey to serve this family unit-favorite tenderloin—perhaps considering of the compliments that come up with information technology! When the weather condition warms up, we grill information technology instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois

Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

My from-scratch pizza has a whole wheat crust flavored with beer. Top it with spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes, then add chicken or ham and fresh basil if you want to include meat. —Raymonde Conservative, Swastika, Ontario

Loaded Avocado BLT

My husband invented this twist on a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I like to arrive with extra slices of bacon; if y'all want, yous can go out the Gorgonzola cheese out of the avocado spread. —Lori Grant, Kingsport, Tennessee

Spinach and Sausage Lentil Soup

During the libation months of the twelvemonth, this soup makes regular appearances on our dinner table. It is approved by all, including my picky six-twelvemonth-old. —Kalyn Gensic, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Garlicky Craven Dinner

Flavorful os-in chicken is enhanced by herbs, lemon and hearty vegetables in this savory meal-in-one entree. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin

Gorgonzola Shrimp Pasta

This flossy pasta dish is so quick and like shooting fish in a barrel. It'south perfect for weeknights, but feels special enough for visitor. —Robin Haas, West Roxbury, Massachusetts

Power Berry Smoothie Bowl

While you tin can't gustation the spinach in these smoothies, you lot go all its nutrients with big berry flavour. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida

Cobb Salad Sub

When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio

Tomato & Garlic Butter Bean Dinner

On the days I become dwelling belatedly and just want a warm meal, I stir together tomatoes, garlic and butter beans. Ladle it over noodles if you lot're in the mood for pasta. —Jessica Meyers, Austin, Texas

Spinach-Egg Breakfast Pizzas

I like my food pretty, and this breakfast pizza is heart-popping. Bring information technology to the tabular array with a basin of berries or grapes and café au lait. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Creamed Spinach & Pearl Onions

When I was a culinary pupil, this creamy dish wowed me, and I don't fifty-fifty like spinach. This side is a keeper! —Chelsea Puchel, Pickens, South Carolina

Sausage-Topped White Pizza

I love cooking, and I learned from Nana and Mom. Pizza is hands one of my favorite dishes to ready. I switched upwards this recipe to make information technology my own. —Tracy Brown, River Border, New Bailiwick of jersey

Arborio Rice and White Edible bean Soup

Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty, satisfying soup with arborio rice is low in fat and comes together in less than xxx minutes. —Deanna McDonald, 1000 Rapids, Michigan

Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach

As a vegetarian, I love coming upwardly with new dishes that non-vegetarians will enjoy (and not miss the meat). This polenta with mushrooms and spinach recipe is then proficient, everyone ever asks for the recipe. —Marcy Delpome, Stanhope, New Jersey

Spinach and Shrimp Fra Diavolo

This quick shrimp fra diavolo is spicy, garlicky, saucy and loaded with delicious shrimp. Plus, with the addition of spinach, y'all're too getting a serving of veggies. When you need a perfect low-fat weeknight meal that is easy to pull together, this is it. You lot can substitute arugula or kale for the spinach if you'd similar. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Frittata Florentine

My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it'south loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Bit, Newport Beach, California

Flank Steak Pinwheels

The secret to these pretty flank steak pinwheels lies in their butterfly treatment. Considering the steaks are flattened, marinade isn't need. Instead, they're filled with a colorful stuffing of blood-red pepper and spinach and draped with a flavorful, homemade blue cheese sauce. —Gustation of Domicile Test Kitchen

Mushroom and Spinach Saute

Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that's perfect for two. Information technology's easy to double or triple for a oversupply. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta

I'chiliad ever looking for dinners that I can put together quickly. I re-created a favorite pasta dish from an Italian eating house by using grocery store convenience products. Add crusty bread and a salad for a consummate meal. —Christine Ward, Austin, Texas

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

After tasting a similar soup at a eating house, I created this quick and tasty version. The pesto adds an extra-overnice Italian flavor that is often missing from other gnocchi soups. —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa t

Modernistic Tuna Casserole

I loved tuna casserole as a kid and establish myself craving it as an developed. However, the massive amounts of fat and salt in the traditional recipe were a turnoff healthwise, and it simply didn't gustation as good every bit I remembered. I reconfigured the recipe to include more vegetables and the result was delicious. —Rebecca Blanton, St. Helena, California

Spinach with Pine Basics and Raisins

A overnice side for winter meat entrees, this bright and flavorful dish is a delicious style to get your greens onto any table. The simple listing of ingredients makes it easy to prepare. —Gretchen Whelan, San Francisco, California

Slow-Cooker Spinach Bean Soup

This navy bean soup is heartwarming comfort food at its best. Information technology'south my signature soup that I brand for my family and friends. The vivid cherry-red and dark-green of the peppers and spinach give it a suitably seasonal await. —Barbara Shay, Pasadena, California

Hot Spinach Spread with Pita Chips

Warm and cheesy, this spread is absolutely scrumptious served on toasted pita wedges. Its colorful appearance makes a stunning addition to whatsoever buffet. —Teresa Emanuel, Smithville, Missouri

Salmon with Spinach Sauce

Yous won't have to fish for compliments with this tasty recipe. Poaching is a quick and healthy way to set up an entree every bit frail as fish, keeping information technology moist and tender while cooking. And the flavorful spinach sauce adds a pretty greenish accent to the pink salmon. —Gustatory modality of Dwelling Test Kitchen

Spinach Feta Turnovers

These quick and easy turnovers are a favorite with my wife. The refrigerated pizza dough makes preparation a snap! —David Baruch, Weston, Florida

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Craven

My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania

Crunchy Spinach Casserole

Our holidays would not be the same without this family tradition. My mother made it every Thanksgiving when I was growing up; now I make it every Christmas as well, and my children and grandchildren absolutely beloved it! We triple the recipe because the kids can't get enough. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Orzo Vegetable Salad

Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over absurd orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

Spinach Pork Tenderloin

Stuffed with fresh spinach and artichoke hearts, these pork slices look fancy plenty for guests. —Linda Rae Lee of San Francisco, California.

Potato Kielbasa Skillet

No need to hunt through kielbasa and potato recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty habitation-style, all-in-one repast. It's especially perfect on those cold belatedly fall and early winter nights. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Spinach & Bacon Salad with Peaches

Peaches and bacon? Oh, yeah. I fabricated this family favorite for a big summer party. Information technology was so like shooting fish in a barrel to prep the parts separately, and so toss information technology all together right before chow fourth dimension. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois

Spinach-Basil Lasagna

In the kitchen, my hubby and I like to employ classic ingredients in new means. I came upwardly with this lasagna one day and haven't fabricated another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan

Garden Risotto

With asparagus, spinach and peas, this simple side adds spectacular season and tons of health benefits from green veggies. Add some Parmesan cheese, and you lot've got one delectable dish! —Kendra Doss, Kansas Metropolis, Missouri

Spinach & Craven Phyllo Pie

For a brunch showstopper, nosotros make chicken pie with phyllo and spinach. Our kids go for it, too, especially when we serve it with a minty fruit salad. —Katie Ferrier Gage, Houston, Texas

Hearty Penne Beef

This hearty penne beef recipe is comfort nutrient at its finest! The best of everything is plant here—it's tasty, like shooting fish in a barrel and a smart fashion to sneak in some spinach for extra diet. —Taste of Home Exam Kitchen,

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a coating of melted cheese. It's actress special to serve only is not catchy to brand. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri

Sausage Spinach Turnovers

Ane Christmas, I gave these tasty meat pies to our neighbors as gifts instead of sweets—they loved them! The handheld pies make a handy take-along tiffin. I freeze the leftovers and reheat them later in the microwave when I need a quick meal. —Vicky Henry Aurora, Colorado

Pan-Roasted Craven and Vegetables

This 1-dish roast craven with vegetables tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients tin be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It's unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Watermelon and Spinach Salad

Summer'south the perfect fourth dimension to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never look it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat information technology and experience cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii

Italian Brunch Torte

We always serve this impressive layered breakfast broil with a salad of mixed greens and lycopersicon esculentum wedges. Information technology is one of our nigh requested dishes and can exist served warm or common cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Creamy Roasted Garlic & Spinach Orzo

This side dish brings instant condolement. I kickoff made information technology without spinach so my husband and girl would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, and then in my book that'southward a win-win. —Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania

Almond Strawberry Salad

It'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to love this pretty salad topped with strawberries and sliced almonds. With just a few ingredients, it's loaded with flavor. —Renae Rossow, Union, Kentucky

Spinach-Pesto Turkey Tenderloins

My husband and I love turkey tenderloin stuffed with spinach and goat cheese. This deliciously easy variation on a classic entree takes weeknight dinner to a new level. —Hayley Long, Oxford, Alabama

Spinach Chicken Manicotti

Pepper and nutmeg spice up the rich sauce in this hearty pasta dish. I made this for my boyfriend on our start Valentine's Day. It was a big success—now nosotros're married! —Amy Luce, Dallas, Texas

Parmesan Creamed Spinach

This rich and creamy spinach dish takes minutes to make. If I'yard expecting guests, I'll double or triple the recipe. —Leann Ross, San Tan Valley, Arizona

Grandma's Spinach Salad

With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma's favorite. Fifty-fifty my little ones like it (merely don't tell them spinach is good for them)! —Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan

Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This salubrious supper goes together in no time flat and makes an centre-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin

Spinach Pesto

Serve this vibrant pesto on pasta, pizza, sandwiches and more than. If you don't accept fresh oregano on hand, you tin omit information technology. —Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Pasta Fagioli Soup

My married man enjoys my version of this dish so much that he doesn't society it at restaurants anymore. With fresh spinach, pasta and seasoned sausage, this fast-to-set soup is a meal on its ain. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri

Creamy Curried Craven

This is a big hit in our house. My young son and daughter gobble it upward. With its irresistible alloy of back-scratch and sweetness coconut milk, it'll become a favorite with your family unit, also. —Tracy Simiele, Chardon, Oh

Flossy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I tasted a like soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could copy it myself at habitation. Here'southward the delicious result! It's wonderful on a chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California

Tiresome-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Dip

With this flossy dip, I can get my daughters to eat spinach and artichokes. We serve it with chips, toasted pita bread or fresh veggies. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa

1-Pot Spinach Beef Soup

My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in i big pot. Grate some Parmesan and laissez passer the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida

Spicy Beef & Pepper Stir-Fry

Think of this stir-fry as your adventure to play with heat and spice. I balance the beefiness with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida

Ravioli with Apple Chicken Sausage

I wanted the perfect sauce for squash ravioli. The wait is over. Here'southward what works: spinach, sausage, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice in 1 happy saucepan. —Mary Brodeur, Millbury, Massachusetts

Spinach & Gouda Stuffed Pork Cutlets

This started every bit a restaurant copycat dish at home. Cheese simply oozes out of the center, and mustard lends a lot of flavour. —Joan Oakland, Troy, Montanta

Spinach 'north' Broccoli Enchiladas

I like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri

Spinach Blueberry Salad

Blueberries are a fun surprise in this salad. I received the recipe from a co-worker'south wife, and it's become i of my favorites. —Heidi Gilleland, Lees Summit, Missouri

Christina's Italian Hymeneals Soup

I'm big on soups with tiny meatballs and pasta. I double the meatballs, poach them in the broth, remove one-half and freeze them for another time. —Christina Hitchcock, Madison Township, Pennsylvania

Lemon Chicken with Orzo

Hither's a dish that's calorie-free and summery but even so filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If yous like a lot of lemon, stir in an actress splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia

Spinach-Parm Goulash

For those who ignore Popeye and won't eat their spinach, I notice that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Weeknight Ravioli Lasagna

My hubby and I beloved lasagna, but it'due south time-consuming to build and we always terminate up with too much. Using frozen ravioli solves everything. —Pamela Nicholson, Festus, Missouri

Pesto Chicken Turnovers

When it comes to food, I'k all about annihilation in a pocket—pita bread, bierocks, empanadas and more than. These Italian-inspired turnovers are corking for dinner and even better the adjacent twenty-four hours. For smaller ones, utilise a single crescent gyre with a level tablespoon of filling. —Greg Munoz, Sacramento, California

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Bake

My creamy, comforting side dish wonderfully rounds out any holiday dinner. Just a fiddling of this rich casserole goes a long way. —Jennifer Bley, Austin, Texas

Spinach Turnovers

The flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just look until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually ready a double batch and freeze some to have on paw in instance unexpected guests drop by. — Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Spinach-Pesto White Pizza

When my kids were really small, they were reluctant to eat their veggies and I had to get artistic. I figured that considering pesto is already green, it would be the perfect identify for some spinach. The pizza was a big hit. —Janet Burbach, North Platte, Nebraska

Creamed Spinach with Parmesan

Cooked spinach makes a perfect accompaniment to many entrees, especially salmon.—Gustation of Abode Test Kitchen

Spiced-Upwardly Good for you Soup

"This has been a striking with family and friends. It's spicy, low-fat and filled with good-for-yous ingredients." Diane Tayman — Dixon, Illinois

Spinach Pie Parma

For a hearty pie with a lovely Italian season, effort this recipe. Spinach has never tasted then skillful! —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia

Spinach Feta Strata

This is a fairly new recipe for me, but my family loved it the start time I fabricated it. A friend shared it with me.—Pat Lane, Pullman, Washington

Spinach Rice

I similar to serve this Greek-manner rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. Information technology makes an elegant side that can exist doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine

Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto

Unique and elementary to prepare, this delicious pasta dish is filled with fresh flavors, and information technology's as good for you as it is hearty. All-time of all, it takes just 30 minutes to set this repast on the table. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Shrimp 'n' Spinach Risotto

I enjoy concocting new, good for you recipes and spinach is 1 of the few vegetables that my hubby will eat. My flossy risotto makes a corking side dish, merely doubles equally a meal-in-i also. —Jennifer Neilsen, Williamston, N Carolina

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/spinach-brain-food/

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