Myths aren’t only stories. For example, a well-known myth that persists today is the supposed high iron content in spinach. This is a legend that dates back to 1890 and originates from a simple miscalculation by physiologist Gustav von Bunge. He accurately determined that 100 grams of spinach contained 35 milligrams of iron but he was analyzing dried spinach, which held ten times more iron than the same amount of fresh leafy greens. Although the error was swiftly corrected, the correction was just as swiftly forgotten. The myth had taken hold. Popeye, who gained superhuman strength from the leafy greens and defended himself with iron fists, contributed to its endurance and even today, some nearly 150 years later, parents the world over use this tale to try to persuade their children into eating the healthy vegetable.