If you are looking for a way to take your boring breakfast eggs to a new level, this is the recipe for you!
This recipe levels up your breakfast egg with delicious and nutritious spinach.
Eggs alone are a healthy way to start your day. Eggs are a good source of protein, which is important to consume for bone and muscle health as well as help to rev up your metabolism. When protein is supplemented daily, it has been shown to improve bone density and prevent age-related muscle-loss (1). Eggs are also a great ingredient for your brain. Eggs are filled with choline, which is an important molecule for helping our brain cells communicate. Studies show that individuals perform better on memory tests when they have higher levels of choline (2).
Spinach, a leafy green vegetable, also comes with important health benefits. Science has shown that spinach is high in antioxidants, which fight oxidative stress in our body (3). As an added benefit, spinach contains a high number of nitrates which assist with the regulation of blood pressure (4). This is key for menopausal women, as increased blood pressure is related to some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and flushing.
Even the extra virgin olive oil in this recipe is a key ingredient! This healthy fat has been shown to be correlated with lower inflammatory markers in the blood when 50ml is consumed daily (5). With 5ml in this recipe, you are off to a great start!
- Paddon-Jones, D., & Rasmussen, B. (2009). Dietary protein recommendations and the prevention of sarcopenia. Current Opinions in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 12(1), 86-90. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32831cef8b.
- Nurk, E., Refsum, H., Bjelland, I., Drevon, C., Tell, G., Ueland, P., … & Vollset, S. (2013). Plasma free choline, betaine and cognitive performance: the Hordaland Health Study. The British Journal of Nutrition, 109(3), 511-519. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512001249.
- Moser, B., Szekerres, T., Bieglmayer, C., Wagner, K., Misik, M., Kundi, M., … & Zakerska, O. (2011). Impact of spinach consumption on DNA stabiiltiy in peripheral lymphocytes and on biochemical blood parameters: results of a human intervention trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 50(7), 587-594. doi: 10.1007/s00394-011-0167-6.
- Bryan, N., & Ivy, J. (2015). Inorganic nitrite and nitrate: evidence to support consideration as dietary nutrients. Nutrition Research, 35(8), 643-654. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2015.06.001
- Casas, R., Sacanella, E., Urpi-Sarda, M., Chiva-Blanch, G., Ros, E., Martinez-Gonzalez, M., …& Estruch, R. (2014). The effect of the Mediterranean diet on biomarkers of vascular wall inflammation and plaque vulnerability in subjects with high risk for cardiovascular disease. A randomized trial. PLoS One, 9(6). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100084
Spinach Scramble
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs
- ⅛ tsp Sea Salt divided
- ⅛ tsp Black Pepper divided
- 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups Baby Spinach
Instructions
- In a small bowl, season eggs with half the salt and pepper. Beat with a fork to combine. Set aside.
- In a medium size frying pan using low-medium heat add the olive oil. Once warmed, add the spinach.
- When the spinach begins to wilt, move it to one side of your pan using a spatula.
- Pour the eggs onto the clear side. While the eggs are cooking, stirr frequently.
- When the eggs are cooked through, stir the spinach into the eggs.
- Transfer the egg mixture to a plate and enjoy!
