Scientifically termed Eruca Sativa, arugula is a leafy green plant that belongs to the brassica or cruciferous family.
Thanks to the distinctive flavors, it can transform the entire taste of your regular dishes, in a positive sense.
Moreover, it's also loaded with a high amount of nutrients that may provide you with an impressive range of benefits.
Arugula has recently become a lot more popular than ever. Native to the Mediterranean area, the plant has several names - salad rocket, garden rocket, rucola, rugula, roquette, and colewort. While arugula is mostly renowned for its peppery flavor, we must also consider the variety of health benefits that it has to offer. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, carbs, proteins, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and more that can improve your overall health to a great extent.
It may boost bone health
Arugula is rich in calcium which is known to be beneficial for your bones. Also, it contains a good amount of vitamin K - which supports the calcium reabsorption in your body. On the other hand, vitamin K boosts muscles' regeneration and also prevents the loss of bone mineral density, both help improve your bone health significantly.
It may aid in weight loss
Low in calories, arugula doesn't make you gain any excess weight. Also, it contains a moderate number of B-complex vitamins that help boost your metabolism - which is crucial for maintaining proper body weight. Therefore, if you are on a weight loss journey, do consider eating the plant regularly.
It may enhance eyesight
Arugula contains lutein and zeaxanthin that protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Also, it is rich in Beta-carotene that treats free radical damage to the retina. Several research studies have shown that people who eat arugula regularly are less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration along with many other issues.
It may promote heart health
Research has indicated that arugula helps reduce the levels of both blood pressure and LDL cholesterol - which are major triggers of cardiovascular disorders. Also, it is loaded with folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K, all of which benefit your heart health to a large extent. The plant compounds present in it contribute to the purpose as well.
It may prevent cancer risk
Like many other vegetables, arugula is also rich in a sulfur-containing substance called glucosinolates that inhibit the activities of the cancer-causing cells in your body. The fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants present in arugula also prevent the cancer risk significantly. Regular consumption of the plant may reduce your risk of certain types of cancer such as lung, prostate, colorectal, etc.
Apart from these, arugula may also boost cognitive skills, manage diabetes, support digestion, improve the immune system, and more.
