Should You Eat Chocolate and Spinach? The Hidden Truth About “Healthy” Foods
Are Your Favorite Health Foods Causing Fatigue and Inflammation?
You’ve heard that dark chocolate, spinach, and green smoothies are superfoods. They’re packed with antioxidants, iron, and nutrients—so they must be great for you, right?
Not so fast.
What if I told you these “healthy” foods might be draining your energy, causing inflammation, and interfering with your body’s ability to absorb essential minerals?
The culprit? Oxalates—natural compounds found in many plant foods that can lead to mineral imbalances, digestive issues, joint pain, and even kidney stones.
What Are Oxalates?
Oxalates are plant-derived anti-nutrients that bind to calcium, magnesium, and other essential minerals, making them harder for your body to absorb.
In small amounts, oxalates are not a problem. But if your diet is too high in oxalates—especially from foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate—they can accumulate in the body, leading to issues such as:
✔️ Fatigue and brain fog
✔️ Joint pain and stiffness
✔️ Digestive problems (bloating, IBS-like symptoms)
✔️ Kidney stones and urinary issues
✔️ Hormonal imbalances and skin conditions
High-Oxalate Foods to Watch Out For
Some of the biggest oxalate offenders include:
• Dark Chocolate & Cocoa
• Spinach, Swiss Chard, and Beet Greens
• Almonds, Cashews, and Peanuts
• Sweet Potatoes & Beets
• Legumes (Lentils, Beans, Soy)
• Raspberries, Kiwi, and Figs
• Turmeric & Cinnamon (when consumed in large amounts)
🚨 Green Smoothie Lovers, Take Note!
If you’re drinking daily green smoothies loaded with spinach and almond milk, you might be unknowingly overloading your body with oxalates—leading to digestive discomfort, bloating, and fatigue.
👉 Instead of spinach, try low-oxalate alternatives like:
✅ Romaine or iceberg lettuce (instead of spinach)
✅ Coconut milk (instead of almond milk)
✅ Zucchini or cauliflower (instead of beets)
Balancing Your Diet: Daily, Occasional, and Forbidden Foods
You don’t have to eliminate all oxalates, but being mindful of your intake can help reduce symptoms and improve mineral balance.
✅ Daily Foods (Low in Oxalates & Nutrient-Rich)
• Animal Proteins: Grass-fed beef, eggs, wild-caught fish
• Cooked Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, squash, cabbage
• Healthy Fats: Butter, coconut oil, olive oil
• Low-Oxalate Fruits: Blueberries, apples, bananas
• Dairy: Grass-fed milk, cheese, yogurt (if tolerated)
⚠️ Occasional Foods (Moderate in Oxalates – Eat in Small Amounts)
• Dark Chocolate (opt for lower cocoa content)
• Sweet Potatoes & Beets (only when cooked)
• Almonds & Cashews (soaked and in small portions)
• Legumes (well-cooked and balanced with other foods)
🚫 Forbidden Foods (High in Oxalates – Best to Avoid or Limit Greatly)
• Spinach & Swiss Chard (especially raw in smoothies!)
• Peanuts & Almond Flour-Based Baked Goods
• Excessive Dark Chocolate & Cocoa Powder
• Large Doses of Turmeric & Cinnamon
How Do You Know If Oxalates Are Affecting You?
Since oxalates deplete calcium, magnesium, and other essential minerals, the best way to determine if you’re out of balance is through a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA).
An HTMA Test Can Reveal:
✔️ Whether oxalates are draining your minerals
✔️ If you have imbalances in calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients
✔️ How well your body is detoxing and eliminating waste
Take the First Step to Feeling Better!
If you’re experiencing fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or unexplained symptoms, it’s time to check your mineral balance and detox pathways.
🔎 Get Your Personalized HTMA Test Today!
Take control of your health and start feeling your best. Click here to learn more!
📩 Have questions? Contact me at beyou@olyaclark.com
Final Thoughts
Oxalates aren’t inherently bad, but too much can lead to long-term health challenges. By choosing low-oxalate foods, balancing your diet, and checking your mineral levels with HTMA, you can take control of your energy, digestion, and overall well-being.
Ready to make a change? Start by assessing your mineral health today!