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Claim: An Instagram user, Frankieleepodcast, posted a video claiming spinach is an “anti-health” food.
Verdict: Misleading. Findings reveal that spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable with numerous health benefits.
Full Text
An Instagram content creator, Frankieleepodcast, who has over 93,000 followers, recently shared a video, “Don’t believe everything that the food industry tells you!” In the video, it was stated that “Anyone eating spinach is ruining their health. People think spinach is a healthy food, but it is not. Spinach is an anti-health food. Spinach has one of the highest levels of oxalates. Oxalates are anti-nutrients.”
The clip has generated more than 26,000 likes, over 4,000 comments, and has been shared more than 13,000 times.
Reactions to the post were divided. Mavismtshali commented, “Agreed, even my body tells me after every spinach meal, especially raw,” while Arax215 claimed, “My dear, it’s not good for the kidneys. If your kidney is sensitive, my dear, everybody knows that.”
Another user, Dr. Fede. Amati wrote, “What is happening? Who is this person, and can she please stop spreading misinformation like confetti? Thanks.”
Another user, lusol1768 countered the claim, “Spinach, it always has been and always will be good, great source of iron among other nutrients,” and shereezahoney wrote, “At this point I’m convinced that starving is the best way to be healthy.”
DUBAWA decided to fact-check the claim because spinach is a common vegetable eaten across Nigeria. Fact-checking such health-related claims helps protect the public from unnecessary fear and promotes informed dietary decisions.
Verification
Spinach comes in several different forms. Locally, it is known as Amunututu, Efo Tete, or Efo Igbo in Yoruba. It is a leafy green vegetable scientifically classified as Spinacia oleracea. According to Healthline, spinach originated in ancient Persia and belongs to the amaranth family, making it a relative of beets and quinoa.
Spinach is regarded as a nutrient powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, antioxidants, and dietary fibre, all of which are proven to support overall well-being. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a 100-gram (3.5-ounce) serving of raw spinach contains just 23 calories while delivering 91% water, 2.9g protein, 3.6g carbohydrates, 0.4g sugar, 2.2g fibre, and 0.4g fat.
Despite its nutritional benefits, the Cleveland Clinic warns that for individuals prone to kidney stones, the high oxalate levels in spinach could promote stone formation. Additionally, because spinach is rich in vitamin K, a nutrient that aids blood clotting, individuals taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, are advised to maintain a consistent intake and consult their healthcare professionals before making any dietary changes.
Experts Opinion
A dietician, Shoretire Michael, explained that while the leafy vegetable contains oxalates, it is not unique, as several other common plant foods also contain the compound.
“Spinach contains oxalates, but it is not the only leafy vegetable with them. Soybeans and many other vegetables also contain oxalates,” he said.
He said oxalates only become a significant concern for people with kidney stones. “Calcium can combine with oxalates to form calcium oxalate stones, which account for about 30 per cent of kidney stones, but that does not mean spinach is anti-health,” the dietician said.
Like other green vegetables, Michael noted that spinach still provides valuable nutrients, including iron and calcium. He added that the human body naturally produces oxalates on its own.
“This does not make spinach an anti-nutrient food. Most plants contain some anti-nutrients; if it’s not oxalates, it may be phytic acid or ferulic acid, but that does not mean they are unhealthy or should not be eaten,” he explained.
He advised that only individuals with a history of kidney stones or those susceptible to the condition should exercise caution by consuming spinach in moderation. “Not everyone who eats spinach will develop kidney stones. The key is moderation, especially for people already diagnosed with kidney stones,” Michael said.
Also, clinical dietician Abasianie Udo-Umo, founder of The Lagos Dietitian Consultancy, explained that both the locally grown Nigerian varieties of spinach and those found in Central and West Asia are “rich and versatile” with significant nutritional value whether eaten raw or cooked.
“Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, E, and K, iron, and folate. It is also an excellent source of antioxidants such as lutein, fibre, protein, and essential nutrients,” she said.
According to the dietician, the vegetable’s high nitrate content can enhance blood flow, which can help reduce the risk of hypertension.
“Because spinach improves blood flow, it can potentially lower blood pressure,” she stressed, adding that its overall nutrient profile supports cardiovascular wellbeing.
Conclusion
The claim that spinach is unhealthy is misleading. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre, spinach contributes positively to heart health, immunity, and overall well-being. Experts say only individuals with particular medical conditions, such as a history of kidney stones, need to moderate their intake and seek professional advice.
