Arugula, also known as rocket, has arguably the coolest name in the vegetable kingdom, and is packed with nutritious benefits.
This leafy green is part of the Brassicaceae (or “mustard greens”) plant family and has a distinct peppery flavour which is slightly bitter - but along with the bitterness comes an abundance of valuable nutritional benefits. So, here are five good reasons for spicing up your diet with a liberal sprinkling of arugula.
Suppress inflammation: Arugula is rich in bioactive compounds which research shows can suppress the production of inflammation in the body.
If you struggle to reduce inflammation symptoms, then having a varied intake of leafy greens will help relieve you more than just increasing your consumption of one or two greens alone. So, boost your salads with some spicy rocket and your gut will thank you!
Good for bone health: Arugula is also rich in vitamin K, which helps with the absorption of calcium into your bones and teeth but also helps increase bone mineral density in those who are osteoporotic, which helps avoid fractures.
Good for the immune system: Along with vitamin K, arugula packs a strong punch of vitamin A, a micronutrient that is crucial to supporting the immune system and helping your body grow and develop properly. Vitamin A is also essential to eye health, cell division, and maintaining a healthy reproductive system.
Prenatal care: Expectant mothers should consider incorporating more arugula into their diet because arugula is also a great source of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate is essential for the development of the foetus and is even known to reduce occurrences of some mental defects in newborns.
Cancer-fighting antioxidants: Arugula also provides carotenoids and flavonoids, antioxidants that lower oxidative stress and can help fight cancer and ward off chronic disease.
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