What should I consider before buying spinach?

If you like spinach, here's a tip to help you get the most nutrients out of your next bite: Buy spinach in the grocery store that's brightly lit. Barbara Ficarra, RN, explains why light matters even after veggies have been picked.

Transcript

00:00

In a recent study, spinach stored in clear plastic tubs under fluorescent lighting actually became more nutrient rich.

00:06

[MUSIC PLAYING]

00:19

Hi. I'm Barbara Ficarra here with a smart tip next time you're at the supermarket. When you buy spinach, should you grab the bagged spinach way

00:27

deep in the dark shelf or opt for the clear plastic tub basking in the fluorescent light? Researchers suggest that the well-lit tub is the way to go.

00:36

In a recent study, spinach stored in clear plastic tubs under fluorescent lighting actually became more nutrient rich.

00:42

Researchers refrigerated spinach under two conditions, in total darkness and under fluorescent lighting. After three days, levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, folate,

00:52

vitamin C, E, and K increased in the light-exposed leaves. But nutrient levels in the greens that got no light

01:00

stayed the same or decreased. Researchers don't fully understand why vitamin and nutrient booms occurred under lit conditions,

01:08

but it probably helps the photosynthesis process continue. Nutrient levels increase because nutrients

01:14

are stored in the chloroplasts, where photosynthesis happens. The well-lit greens did wilt faster.

01:20

So to get the most taste and nutrition from store-bought stuff, use it within a few days.

01:26

[SWOOSH] [HEARTBEAT] [CHIME DINGS]