Popeye
The USDA originally had a hand in developing the cartoon concept of Popeye. Here is what they have to say:
Popeye and Spinach: Remember Popeye cartoons which were designed to get children to eat spinach? Spinach is a great vegetable that is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, and iron. Unfortunately, when Popeye cartoons were made we did not know that the calcium and iron in spinach are not well used by the human body. Spinach contains substances that bind calcium and iron so that they cannot be absorbed by the body. Some nutritionists have suggested that maybe broccoli would be a better vegetable for Popeye to promote. It contains many of the same nutrients, but does not have any of the substances that bind calcium and iron. Either way, broccoli and spinach are both excellent sources of many nutrients and make good additions to a diet.
Written by Sammy Lerner, quoted in Popeye: The First Fifty Years by Bud Sagendorf.
lyrics
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man
I’m strong to the “Finich”
‘Cause I eats me spinach
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.
I’m one tough Gazookus
Which hates all Palookas
Wot ain’t on the up and square
I biffs ‘em and buffs ‘em
An’ always out-roughs ‘em
an’ none of ‘em gits no-where.
If anyone dasses to risk
My “Fisk” it’s “Boff” an’
It’s “Wham” un ‘erstan’?
So, keep “Good Behavor”
That’s your one life saver
With Popeye the Sailor Man.