The famous cartoon sailor, who eats spinach to give him superhuman strength, has had kids taking a leaf out his can (or book) and introducing more vegetables into their diet to help stay fit and healthy.

Kids involved in the study were shown Popeye cartoons over an eight-week period, as well as being encouraged to plant vegetable seeds and copy their teachers’ healthy diet, during this time. The 26 children who took part in the study were aged four and five, and their vegetable intake almost doubled during the eight weeks.

Researchers found that the kids began to talk more about vegetables, developing an interest in healthy eating habits. The type of vegetables they ate also broadened, and as a result, their diets became more varied.

Their intake of fruit did not change, however, as most children in the study already eat lots of fruit in their diets.

Parents noted that the study seemed to have had a positive effect on their children, saying they talked about vegetables more often – and ate them as well.