Why Does Popeye Eat Spinach For Muscle-Growth? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 12-03-2009, 09:31 PM

I never understood why Popeye's "signature food" was spinach which he used for his strength because in reality spinach is not a bodybuilder food.

I mean yeah spinach is good for you but it's not used for that.

Typical body-builder menu is protein; red meat, eggs, fish... those foods would make more sense than spinach.

Zoneboy · 12-03-2009, 09:39 PM

Spinach Does a Body Good

Link

Spinach is also rich in calcium, which has always been known to create strong bones. But it is also very important for muscle building. Calcium helps relax the muscle, thus reducing the chances for cramping. This causes better and greater muscle contractions that facilitate muscle growth. It just so happens to be an added plus that it is good for bones, where muscle is attached. So if the bones are strong and healthy, they will offer good support for muscles.

Do You Want Big Muscles? Eat Spinach to Get Them.

Link

In the end, they were right when they gave Popeye, the cartoon sailor, spinach instead of garlic as enhancement for his supernatural powers. For long, spinach was said to be rich in calcium and iron (later researches proved this was just rubbish), but a new research has, for the first time, proved its ability to boost strength, as signaled by NewScientist.

The team led by Ilya Raskin, from the Rutgers University in New Jersey, has discovered that out of all the chemicals contained in spinach, phytoecdysteroids (a type of plant steroids) do spur muscle growth by increasing the body's conversion of protein into muscle mass. However, don't rush to the market just yet: these effect could be felt only if humans were to consume over 2.2lb (one kilogram) of spinach daily.

Phytoecdysteroids placed on samples of human muscle increased their growth by up to 20%. Rats that had received shots of phytoecdysteroids for an entire month were also more powerful and had increased grip strength.

100 grams of spinach contain 510 mg of sodium, 375 mg of potassium, 49 mg of calcium, 37 mg of magnesium, 29 mg of sulfur, 0.6 mg of manganese, 0.45 mg of zinc, 0.13 mg of copper, vitamins B and C, carotenes (precursors of vitamin A), spinacine, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Spinach is also rich in vitamin K, and has been proved to help people stay or become slim, by decreasing the digestion of fat and inducing the sensation of feeling fuller for a longer period of time. This plant can also increase brainpower by keeping the mind alert.

Consuming spinach is also good against eye diseases. Spinach is a good heart tonifier and an anti-cancer, anti-anemia, anti-scurvy and re-mineralizing aliment. It also prevents gum and teeth infections, and bleeding - the latter condition being caused by a diet rich in cereals, sugar and starch. This aliment also detoxifies the organism, being beneficial in case of duodenal ulcer, convulsions, nerve degeneration, furuncles, deficiencies of the adrenal and thyroid glands, nephritis, arthritis, abscess, limb swelling, hemophilia, lack of tonus, rheumatic pain, hypo- and hypertension, vision issues and headaches (including migraines).

JamesG · 12-03-2009, 09:44 PM

Thanks for the link.

I see that it assists in body building by keeping bones healthy and does grow muscles if consumed in large amounts.

I was asking since spinach is not a "bodybuilder food".

Marvo301 · 12-03-2009, 09:55 PM

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ch.html?cat=25
The above article may answer some of your questions.

JamesG · 12-03-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ch.html?cat=25
The above article may answer some of your questions.

Thanks for the article.

Interesting about the misconception at the time. That really explains it.

Marvo301 · 12-03-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Thanks for the article.

Interesting about the misconception at the time. That really explains it.

You're welcome. It's pretty funny that Popeye's whole image is based on misinformation!

Schmoopie · 12-04-2009, 03:47 AM

Cool! Funny this topic came up because the other night I wanted a Casear salad, so I went to the grocery store and got stuff to make my own. Instead of romaine lettuce, I bought a big bag of spinach lettuce. I mixed it with ranch, some warm diced chicken and some Parmesan cheese. Yum! I guess it's no coincidence that Popeye's picture was on the bag of spinach, huh?

lockdown06 · 02-13-2010, 01:03 AM

Even when I was young I knew it was propaganda to get kids to eat it.

However, many bodybuilders and powerlifters eat it, because of the high levels of iron.

Torgo · 02-17-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

I never understood why Popeye's "signature food" was spinach which he used for his strength because in reality spinach is not a bodybuilder food.

I mean yeah spinach is good for you but it's not used for that.

Typical body-builder menu is protein; red meat, eggs, fish... those foods would make more sense than spinach.

Because "I'm strong to the finich because I eats me red meat, eggs, and fish" doesn't sound as good.

catlover79 · 02-17-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torgo

Because "I'm strong to the finich because I eats me red meat, eggs, and fish" doesn't sound as good.

So true.

Chocoholic · 02-17-2010, 08:15 PM

Chocolate is much better for you.

OK, maybe not physically, but certainly emotionally

Marvo301 · 02-17-2010, 09:28 PM

Do you think if Popeye cartoons were made in 2010 he'd drink an energy drink instead of eating spinach?

catlover79 · 02-17-2010, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Do you think if Popeye cartoons were made in 2010 he'd drink an energy drink instead of eating spinach?

No, he'd probably be on steroids!!

Marvo301 · 02-18-2010, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

No, he'd probably be on steroids!!

What a great role model he would be for kids.

catlover79 · 02-18-2010, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

What a great role model he would be for kids.

I know, but these days it's par for the course.

12-03-2009, 09:31 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,092	Why Does Popeye Eat Spinach For Muscle-Growth? I never understood why Popeye's "signature food" was spinach which he used for his strength because in reality spinach is not a bodybuilder food. I mean yeah spinach is good for you but it's not used for that. Typical body-builder menu is protein; red meat, eggs, fish... those foods would make more sense than spinach.

12-03-2009, 09:39 PM	#2
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,375	Spinach Does a Body Good Link Spinach is also rich in calcium, which has always been known to create strong bones. But it is also very important for muscle building. Calcium helps relax the muscle, thus reducing the chances for cramping. This causes better and greater muscle contractions that facilitate muscle growth. It just so happens to be an added plus that it is good for bones, where muscle is attached. So if the bones are strong and healthy, they will offer good support for muscles. Do You Want Big Muscles? Eat Spinach to Get Them. Link In the end, they were right when they gave Popeye, the cartoon sailor, spinach instead of garlic as enhancement for his supernatural powers. For long, spinach was said to be rich in calcium and iron (later researches proved this was just rubbish), but a new research has, for the first time, proved its ability to boost strength, as signaled by NewScientist. The team led by Ilya Raskin, from the Rutgers University in New Jersey, has discovered that out of all the chemicals contained in spinach, phytoecdysteroids (a type of plant steroids) do spur muscle growth by increasing the body's conversion of protein into muscle mass. However, don't rush to the market just yet: these effect could be felt only if humans were to consume over 2.2lb (one kilogram) of spinach daily. Phytoecdysteroids placed on samples of human muscle increased their growth by up to 20%. Rats that had received shots of phytoecdysteroids for an entire month were also more powerful and had increased grip strength. 100 grams of spinach contain 510 mg of sodium, 375 mg of potassium, 49 mg of calcium, 37 mg of magnesium, 29 mg of sulfur, 0.6 mg of manganese, 0.45 mg of zinc, 0.13 mg of copper, vitamins B and C, carotenes (precursors of vitamin A), spinacine, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Spinach is also rich in vitamin K, and has been proved to help people stay or become slim, by decreasing the digestion of fat and inducing the sensation of feeling fuller for a longer period of time. This plant can also increase brainpower by keeping the mind alert. Consuming spinach is also good against eye diseases. Spinach is a good heart tonifier and an anti-cancer, anti-anemia, anti-scurvy and re-mineralizing aliment. It also prevents gum and teeth infections, and bleeding - the latter condition being caused by a diet rich in cereals, sugar and starch. This aliment also detoxifies the organism, being beneficial in case of duodenal ulcer, convulsions, nerve degeneration, furuncles, deficiencies of the adrenal and thyroid glands, nephritis, arthritis, abscess, limb swelling, hemophilia, lack of tonus, rheumatic pain, hypo- and hypertension, vision issues and headaches (including migraines).
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

12-03-2009, 09:55 PM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ch.html?cat=25 The above article may answer some of your questions.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

12-04-2009, 03:47 AM	#7
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	Cool! Funny this topic came up because the other night I wanted a Casear salad, so I went to the grocery store and got stuff to make my own. Instead of romaine lettuce, I bought a big bag of spinach lettuce. I mixed it with ranch, some warm diced chicken and some Parmesan cheese. Yum! I guess it's no coincidence that Popeye's picture was on the bag of spinach, huh?
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

02-13-2010, 01:03 AM	#8
lockdown06 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 18, 2004 Location: ohio Posts: 709	Even when I was young I knew it was propaganda to get kids to eat it. However, many bodybuilders and powerlifters eat it, because of the high levels of iron.
	__________________ "Life's Tough Get a Helmet"

12-03-2009, 09:44 PM	#3
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,092	Thanks for the link. I see that it assists in body building by keeping bones healthy and does grow muscles if consumed in large amounts. I was asking since spinach is not a "bodybuilder food".

02-17-2010, 08:15 PM	#11
Chocoholic Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 11,235	Chocolate is much better for you. OK, maybe not physically, but certainly emotionally

02-17-2010, 09:28 PM	#12
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	Do you think if Popeye cartoons were made in 2010 he'd drink an energy drink instead of eating spinach?