What is Arugula?
Arugula is an extremely healthy and nutritious cruciferous vegetable that many people have never heard of. Also called salad rocket or garden rocket, it has a distinctive and delicious peppery flavor to its soft green leaves and goes particularly well in fresh salads like this.
Arugula also has some surprising health benefits for more energy, disease prevention and a healthier appearance. Here’s just what makes rocket so good for you.
Health Benefits of Arugula
Hydrating leafy green: Arugula is composed of 90 percent water. That’s why it’s a perfect hydrat ing and cooling food in the summer.
Good for bone health: Vitamin 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.
Helps reduce inflammation in the body: It contains indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates which have been shown to suppress the production of inflammation in the body.
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.
Help to prevent liver and DNA damage: 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.
Uses of Arugula
- Arugula was used as a potent aphrodisiac during the ancient civilization of Rome.
- Arugula seeds are pressed to make Taramira oil, used in pickling, cooking, and salad dressing in northern India.
- Love potions were made using arugula and other herbs like lavender in ancient times.