Kale, the green with all the press, has moved up from its role as a salad bar garnish.  I like it, though many can't take its crunchy texture.  Is the hype, the real deal?

Spinach, loved by Popeye, and thus, mothers of all generations, is the go-to green for most of us.  Will it hold its place at the top of the nutrition chain?

Truth be told, each green has its own unique health traits as well as overlapping ones.

Common health benefits:

1.  Both have anti-inflammatory properties and about the same amount of fiber per serving (one gram per cup, uncooked). Fiber helps with keeping our digestive system healthy and with weight management. 

2.  Both have the same amount of protein. 

Differences:

Kale has slightly more vitamin C and calcium.

Spinach outdoes kale on iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, folate, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

I like to have kale in my smoothies or for some crunch in a salad.  I love spinach and have it almost every day.  As a kid, I would have it sauteed in oil with garlic and my kids will eat it that way.  I also sneak it into their soups.  (shh..don't tell them)

There it is!  Spinach is slightly more nutritious but if that is something you are worried about, I think your nutrition is not a problem.  :)