Arugula’s aromatic, peppery flavor adds a wonderful dimension to a salad, to your health.
Arugula is also known by other names such as salad rocket, garden rocket, roquette, rucola, rugula or colewort. The scientific name of arugula is Eruca sativa.
“Arugula is an elixir that gives flavor to life.“ Dennis Lybeer
9 Arugula Health Benefits
1. Cancer fighting Powerfood
Arugula is one of the brassica family vegetables along with broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. These vegetables are high in fibre and antioxidants, and also rich in glucosinolates, studies show may reduce the risk of developing lung, prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer.
Arugula is one of the brassica family vegetables along with broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. These vegetables are high in fibre and antioxidants, and also rich in glucosinolates, studies show may reduce the risk of developing lung, prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer.
2. Rich in chlorophyll
Chlorophyll can help to prevent liver and DNA damage from aflatoxins. To get the most chlorophyll in arugula, it is best to eat it raw.
Chlorophyll can help to prevent liver and DNA damage from aflatoxins. To get the most chlorophyll in arugula, it is best to eat it raw.
3. Hydrating leafy green
Arugula is composed of 90 percent water. That’s why it’s a perfect hydrating and cooling food in the summer.
Arugula is composed of 90 percent water. That’s why it’s a perfect hydrating and cooling food in the summer.
4. Good for bone healthVitamin K is needed for bone health; it is needed for the absorption of calcium into the bones and teeth. Half cup of arugula contains 10.9 micrograms of vitamin K. Three cups of arugula daily will supply you with 100 percent of your bodies need of vitamin K. It also contains eight times more calcium than iceberg lettuce.
5. Helps reduce inflammation in the bodyIt contains indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates which have been shown to suppress the production of inflammation in the body.
6. Cleanses and detoxifies the body.The fiber content helps clean out the colon promoting healthy bowel movements. The phytochemicals, antioxidants and essential minerals found in arugula help cleanse out toxins in the body.
7. Protects the aging brain from cognitive decline
Arugula is high in most B vitamins but contains especially high amounts of folate. In high-functioning older adults, low levels of folate have been shown to be a risk factor for cognitive decline.
Arugula is high in most B vitamins but contains especially high amounts of folate. In high-functioning older adults, low levels of folate have been shown to be a risk factor for cognitive decline.
8. Weight loss
Arugula in your diet can benefit you with so many nutrients. The extra benefit is that 2 cups contain only 80 calories, making it a good choice for those on a diet.
Arugula in your diet can benefit you with so many nutrients. The extra benefit is that 2 cups contain only 80 calories, making it a good choice for those on a diet.
9. Aphrodisiac
Arugula has used as an aphrodisiac since the first century. Research has shown us that the trace minerals and antioxidants in dark, leafy greens are essential for our sexual health. They help block environmental contaminants which are thought to be negative to our libido.
Arugula has used as an aphrodisiac since the first century. Research has shown us that the trace minerals and antioxidants in dark, leafy greens are essential for our sexual health. They help block environmental contaminants which are thought to be negative to our libido.
A study found that arugula leaf extracts boosted testosterone levels and sperm activity in mice. The results suggest that the phytochemicals and/or nutrients in arugula may have aphrodisiac properties. (Published March 2013 in Journal of Al-Nahrain University)
“The rocket excites the sexual desire of drowsy people,” from a poem, by Virgil, one of Rome’s greatest poets.
Trivia:
- Arugula was used as a potent aphrodisiac during the ancient civilization of Rome.
- Love potions were made using arugula and other herbs like lavender in ancient times.
- Arugula seeds are pressed to make Taramira oil, used in pickling, cooking, and salad dressing in northern India.
- Ancient Romans ate it for good luck.
Tips for eating or cooking:
- This green is popular in Italian cuisine.
- Eating arugula raw will likely provide your body with more of the healthy isothiocyanates than eating cooked arugula. However, by eating lightly cooked arugula, your body will absorb more of certain nutrients and carotenoids than when it is raw.