Benefits of Arugula
Benefits of Arugula
Arugula, also known as rocket or salad rocket, is a leafy green vegetable that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It has a distinctive peppery taste and is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and even pasta dishes. However, arugula is more than just a flavorful ingredient. In this blog post, we will explore some of the many benefits of arugula and why you should consider incorporating it into your diet.
- Rich in Nutrients Arugula is packed with nutrients that are essential for optimal health. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium. These nutrients can help support healthy bones, a strong immune system, and healthy vision.
- Low in Calories If you’re looking to maintain or lose weight, arugula is a great choice. One cup of arugula contains only about five calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their caloric intake.
- May Lower Risk of Cancer Arugula contains high levels of phytochemicals such as sulforaphane, which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that regular consumption of arugula may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer.
- May Improve Digestive Health Arugula is a good source of fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion. It contains a type of fiber called inulin, which is a prebiotic that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of certain digestive disorders.
- May Lower Risk of Heart Disease Arugula contains nitrates, which have been shown to help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, the vitamin C in arugula can help reduce inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
- May Improve Athletic Performance Arugula contains high levels of nitrates, which have been shown to improve exercise performance by increasing blood flow and reducing the oxygen cost of exercise. This can help athletes and fitness enthusiasts perform better during high-intensity workouts.
In conclusion, arugula is a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable that offers many health benefits. It is low in calories, rich in nutrients, and may help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. Additionally, it can improve digestive health and athletic performance. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful ingredient to add to your meal, consider arugula!
Arugula vs. other greens
Unlike many subtler-tasting salad greens, arugula’s highly distinctive and peppery crunch adds flair to salads and other cold dishes. Like parsley, it can be chewed to help combat sour breath.
Arugula can be used in addition to, or in lieu of, most types of lettuce and herbs. It also boasts a distinctive leaf shape. Arugula’s flowers, seeds, and leaves are all edible.
How to use it
Arugula is delicious raw, and it can be used as a healthy add-on topping for pizza, nachos, sandwiches, and wraps.
It can be served as a side salad with nothing more than a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
It also makes an excellent base for more substantial salad recipes. Try adding cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, and walnuts to arugula for a protein-packed, low-calorie meal.
Arugula’s leaf shape and taste also make it an interesting complement to citrus fruit and berry salads.
Arugula can be used as an alternative to basil to make hot or cold pesto. This recipe uses arugula, parmesan, and pine nuts with succulent results.
When arugula is cooked, it loses some of its peppery punch, becoming mellower in taste. This recipe adds arugula to squash and goat cheese pasta.
