What is Arugula?

In the scientific world, it is known as “Eruca sativa” but it has other aliases such as “salad rocket”, “garden rocket”, “roquette”, “rucola”, or “rugula”.  It is from the mustard-plant family, or Brassica which includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, turnip, and mustard.  Mostly used in the Americas, Europe, and North Africa, it is a peppery-tasting, leafy green that not only brings flavor to your salad, but it contains many nutrients to assist in your detox, weight loss, and health-improvement goals!

What are the detoxification benefits of Arugula?

This leafy green plant is loaded with a combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  For vitamins, arugula contains vitamin A, C, E, K, and some amounts of vitamin B.  Arugula also contains minerals of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium.  Arugula is a necessary source of antioxidants in order for our bodies to maintain a healthy balance and raise our immunity levels.  Similar to spinach in calcium quantity, arugula actually has fewer mineral-blocking oxalates (the reason spinach can sometimes leave your mouth feeling chalky). This means that less calcium is inhibited, and your body can absorb and use more. This abundance in vitamins and minerals has two benefits to your liver. First, liver cell inflammation is reduced. Second, the repair and regrowth of healthy new liver cells is supported.

For detox benefits, the fiber content in arugula helps clean out the colon promoting healthy bowel movements. The phytochemicals, antioxidants and essential minerals found in arugula help cleanse out toxins in the body.  Arugula is a member of the brassica family of vegetables called cruciferous, which is high in fibre and antioxidants.  They are also rich in compounds known as glucosinolates, which studies show may reduce the risk of developing lung, colorectal, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.  Arugula has high levels of chlorophyll, which helps prevent DNA and liver damage from aflatoxins and environmental toxins via its ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides in your blood.  This aspect makes arugula consumption a potent ally for protecting your liver from harm.  Arugula is high in most of the B vitamins but contains especially high amounts of folate.  In high-functioning older adults, low levels of folate have been shown to be a risk factor for cognitive decline.

One cup of raw arugula contains about one gram of fiber.  Your liver needs a high fiber diet to function optimally.  Diets low in fiber typically lead to a buildup of toxins and fats in the liver. A major contributor to detoxification, fiber helps your liver remove waste from your bloodstream.

RECOMMENDED ARUGULA PRODUCTS

Organic Arugula, One Bunch and Greens Arugula Bunch Organic are great Arugula choices if you are currently like me, who falls into the habit of buying too much Arugula and allowing the rest to wilt and lose flavor because of forgetfulness.

For everyone else, who can stay consistent on their Arugula-eating habits, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Packaged Baby Arugula, Whole Foods Market, Organic Baby Arugula, and Whole Foods Market, Organic Baby Spinach & Arugula Salad save you extra trips to the store or online orders.