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 digestion 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.

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.

To help with weight loss, arugula in your diet can benefit you with so many nutrients. The inclusion of arugula in a diet is the same as any other low-calorie, vitamin or nutrient-rich plant; and it will inevitably have a positive effect on attempts at weight loss. By satisfying so many nutritional needs with a calorie density food, it is an easy way to watch your health and keep your system balanced, without making drastic changes to your diet.  Increased metabolism is another benefit of arugula because of the presence of small amounts of B-Complex vitamins that assist in promoting metabolism. Eight B-vitamins participate and aid in all different cell activities, including energy production, fat synthesis, the production of red blood cells, and many other vital processes for cell and metabolic health.

For eyesight improvement, arugula is a well-known source of carotenoids, which are naturally occurring pigments that have long been famous for improving a person’s ability to see properly. Carotenoids slow down the process of macular degeneration, which is when the center of a person’s field of vision becomes compromised. By increasing the number of carotenoids in your diet, you may be able to slow down this symptom of old age.

(Cue the love music!!!) Arugula has used as an aphrodisiac since the first century. Research has shown us that the trace minerals and antioxidants in dark, leafy greens are essential for our sexual health. They help block environmental contaminants which are thought to be negative to our libido.  But arugula is also a bit of a powerhouse when it comes to the nutrients necessary for a thriving sex life. It is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for sex hormone production. In addition, it delivers many minerals that are important to put the body in its sexual prime. Its a source of zinc, excellent for promoting good blood flow to the nether regions, as well as sex-aiding minerals magnesium and potassium.

The fiber in arugula helps promote digestive regularity, keeps your tummy happy and leaves you feeling full longer so you resist other fatty foods. It also helps to lower cholesterol, balance blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease.  Evidence suggests that bitter foods can be seriously good for our gut health.  Bitter foods are called bitters simply because of their taste and action of increasing saliva and stomach acids.  Plus, they increase the production of digestive enzymes, which aids in absorbing food.  The bitters in arugula kick start the digestion juices in your stomach helping your body better digest and absorb nutrients. It also triggers the releases of bile into the small intestine. The leafy green is also rich in vitamin B, zinc, copper, vitamin A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.  Arugula is low in oxalic acid, an acid which can hinder the body’s ability to absorb calcium. This makes arugula a perfect substitute for spinach which is high in oxalic acid and is an important factor to remove from the diet for people suffering from osteoporosis.

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.