Shoving a handful of raw spinach down your throat might not be the magical cure-all that some social media influencers would have you believe, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. It's like a rough morning, but one that's rich in antioxidants, folate, fiber, iron, calcium, and Vitamins A, C, and K. Think of it as your mother-in-law, not necessarily enjoyable, but good for you on a lot of levels.

However, spinach alone won't get you to your "eat your daily vegetables" goal post. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, two measuring cups of leafy greens get you only one vegetable serving closer. Yes, unfortunately, that's five cups of raw spinach for your daily veggies.

Still, if you relish a mouth-full of spinach each morning, Dolores Woods, a dietitian, gives it a thumbs-up as a healthy routine that might just set you up for success during the day. But don't ride the spinach-ade train too hard without checking the oxalates (anti-nutrients that bind to calcium and other minerals in your body) ticket. They could set you up for a kidney stone ride – not the kind of memorable experience you'd want.

Essentially, it boils down to one key factor – variety. Eating spinach every day, raw or cooked (which has its benefits, like breaking down oxalates), might bore your taste palate to tears. Gentile, a well-known dietician, suggests incorporating different vegetables in your diet to keep things interesting.

So, if you've hopped on to this trend of swallowing raw spinach first thing in the morning, feel free to carry on if it's helping you maintain a balanced diet. If not, don't sweat it. The world of health and nutrition is a lot bigger than a handful of spinach. Just remember, a balanced diet is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, not just trending fads.