Who would have thought that the zany cartoons we grew up with could contain accurate nutritional information?  Viewers of a certain age might remember “Popeye the Sailor Man,” who gobbled cans of spinach whenever he needed a boost of muscular power to fight the villainous Bluto.  As it turns out, Popeye’s strategy was surprisingly sound. In a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that eating one cup a day of green leafy vegetables significantly boosts muscle function.  And, as it turns out, muscle function is good for a lot more than beating up cartoon bullies – it is strongly associated with health and well-being, supports bone strength, and leads to a decreased risk of falls with aging (an important benefit for a graying population).  Let’s take a look at the power of “green leafies” to enhance physical function. Nitrate-Rich Vegetables Improve Muscular Strength – Even Without the Benefit of Exercise The 12-year study, …