Spinach has long been associated with good health and, in the unique case of Popeye the Sailor Man, a miraculous superhuman strength as well. Unfortunately you won’t spontaneously grow bulging biceps after munching on a few leaves or a can of it, but this veg is still pretty awesome for you. With its high nutrient count, low calories and versatility in the kitchen, spinach can do everything from staving off disease to helping you lose weight. Here are 12 reasons why you should definitely eat more spinach!

1. Rich in Protein

One of the main reasons Popeye must eat so much of the stuff is because spinach is an excellent source of easily digestible protein. All that protein is vital for building muscle and recovering from working out.