The Real-Life 'Popeye' Who Has The World's Biggest Biceps... But Is Allergic To Spinach

#1 Record-breaker: Unlike the cartoon sailor, 'the real-life Popeye' Moustafa Ismail is actually allergic to spinach

His world record-breaking biceps have earned him the nickname 'the real-life Popeye' - but giant bodybuilder Moustafa Ismail is actually allergic to spinach.

Unlike the famous cartoon sailor, who gets his strength from the iron-rich plant, 'Big Mo' cannot stand the greenery.

The 24-year-old Egyptian, whose 31-inch biceps measure the same as a man's waist, says spinach is to him what kryptonite is to Superman.

#2 Weakness: The muscleman said the iron-rich plant is to him what kryptonite is to Superman

#3 International recognition: Big Mo's incredible physique has earned him dozens of trips around the world

#4 Muscleman: Mr Ismail is in the Guinness World Book of Records as the man with the world's largest biceps

Mr Ismail, who entered the Guinness World Book of Records last year as the man with the world's largest biceps, added: 'I like chicken and beef - anything but spinach.'

The bodybuilder is the toast of his hometown Alexandria, which he left to move to America in 2007 to find better gym equipment.

#5 Eye-catching: The bodybuilder is stopped wherever he goes by people wanting to feel his arms

#6 Give me strength: The Egyptian can lift 600lbs, the same weight as an average-sized grizzly bear

He said he was fat as a child growing up in the Middle East but had returned home as 'the Hulk'.

Mr Ismail, who lives with his wife Carolina, 30, in the U.S., said: 'I'm the first Egyptian in the Guinness book. In Egypt they had a celebration for me and my family - they were so proud.'

#7 Critics: Some claim Mr Ismail is a fake and accuse him of using steroids, implants or synthol

#8 Bulging biceps: The 24-year-old's incredible 31-inch biceps measure as much as a man's waist

His incredible physique has earned him dozens of trips to countries around the world, including the UK.

He is stopped wherever he goes by men and women wanting to feel his arms and said that some of his admirers tell him his body motivates them to workout - while others have even said he inspired them to 'get off drugs'.

However, he has had his critics too, with some claiming his muscles are fake and accusing him of using steroids, implants or synthol - a synthetic oil used by bodybuilders to fluff their muscles.

But 'Big Mo', who can lift 600lbs, the same weight as an average-sized grizzly bear, denies cheating.

He even underwent an ultrasound on Japanese TV to prove his biceps are real, and added: 'It is hurtful. I'm proud of myself.'

#9 Growing boy: His daily diets includes 7lb of meat, 9lb of carbohydrates and three gallons of water

#10 Hard work: The three-hour workouts centre around cardio, strength training and body sculpting

He also has plans to make his shoulders even bigger than his biceps. 'I will try but I need to put in a lot more effort. You have to focus mentally and prepare yourself,' he said.

'To reach that level you have to believe in yourself. I can do it if I will just keep pushing, keep on working out. Maybe it will take a year to reach that goal.'

The Egyptian Popeye says there is only one downside: 'I will look scary.'