Arugula is a vegetable with a rather specific, slightly peppery taste, with leaves that resemble oak leaves. It is very healthy, it can be easily grown at home, and its caloric value is only 5 calories per serving.
Arugula is full of fibers that support good digestion, it is filling and after it you don't feel the need for fatty and sweet food. It helps you lower cholesterol and keep your sugar levels under control. Here are a few more reasons why you should eat arugula and a great recipe for a rejuvenating salad.
1. Arugula is a member of the so-called cruciferous or brassica plants known for their medicinal properties, and besides arugula they include broccoli, kale and cabbage. This family of plants is very rich in fiber and antioxidants, and also contains glucosinolate components, which research has shown can reduce the risk of lung, prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer.
2. Arugula has a high level of chlorophyll that prevents DNA and liver damage caused by aflatoxin, a carcinogenic substance that is created in mold and is most often found in corn, peanuts and certain nuts. Aflatoxin became known to us when certain amounts were found in milk. To bring as much chlorophyll into the body as possible, consume arugula in its raw form.
3. Arugula contains as much as eight times more calcium than the well-known "iceberg" salad, and it is also rich in vitamin K, which is very important for the best possible absorption of calcium in bones and teeth. Vitamin K also plays an important role in the prevention of heart diseases. Plaque that builds up on artery walls can be associated with poor calcium absorption, and vitamin K makes sure that calcium goes where it's needed most.
4. By consuming this healthy plant, we reduce chronic inflammatory conditions in the body. Arugula contains indole 3 carbinol and thiocyanates, bioactive components that have been proven to suppress inflammation.
5. Arugula will also help you defend against brain aging and cognitive decline because it contains large amounts of B vitamins, especially folate. It has been proven that in elderly people, folate deficiency leads to cognitive impairment, reports Lifepress magazine.
Bonus video:
