10 Reasons You Should Be Eating More Salad Rocket

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If you read the headline and wondered what the heck salad rocket was, you are not alone. Although this veggie is popular in other parts of the world, especially in Italy, it’s still a well-kept secret in the US. This terrific green has very few calories, tons of peppery flavor, loaded with nutrients, you just can’t go wrong by eating arugula. Yep, arugula. It goes by several names, such as garden rocket, salad rocket, roquette, rugula, and colewort. Arugula looks something like a small, open leaf lettuce and is related to mustard greens and kale. You know anything related to kale must be super good for you, right?

Arugula will give you more benefits if you eat it raw, but slightly steaming or lightly cooking arugula will release more carotenoids, so no matter how you choose to eat it, your body wins!

Take a look at the top 10 reasons you should be chowing down on more arugula.

1. Fights Cancer

Like its cousins broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, arugula is a cancer fighting fiend. Its high fiber and antioxidant compounds, combined with its richness in glucosinolates, have many studies showing that arugula, and its cousins, can protect us from numerous cancers including breast, prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancer.

2. Supports Weight Loss

Consuming 2 full cups of arugula will net you only a skinny 80 calories! They are high in fiber as well, which means they fill you up but won’t fill you out. Adding arugula is a smart idea for those who are looking to drop a few pounds.

3. Protects the Brain

Arugula is high in several vitamins but it is especially packed with folate, an important B vitamin. Low levels of folate have been linked to higher risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of cognitive decline.

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4. Loaded With Chlorophyll

Studies show that chlorophyll can prevent DNA and liver damage from aflatoxins. To get the most chlorophyll for your buck, eat it raw. Any green veggie is good for your health, and arugula is no exception to the rule!

5. Detoxes and Cleanses the Body

Arugula is a high fiber food; it helps to keep the colon clear of toxins and encourages healthy bowel movements. The antioxidants, essential minerals, and phytochemicals in arugula will also support healthy liver function and help the body remove toxins.

6. Super Hydrating

Arugula is 90 percent water and that makes it a perfect veggie for cooling down and rehydration in the hot summer months. Find out 14 suprising reasons for dehydration.

7. Reduces Inflammation

Arugula contains compounds called isothiocyanates and indole-3-carbinol, which have been shown to quell the production of inflammation. Less inflammation means you will have more mobility and more energy!

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8. Supports Healthy Bones

For truly healthy bones the body needs calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Vitamin K is what helps the bones (and teeth) absorb calcium. Just a half cup of arugula has 10.9 micrograms of vitamin K and just three cups will give you your entire recommended allowance of vitamin K for the day. Arugula also has eight times more calcium than plain old iceberg lettuce.

9. Tons of Vitamins and Minerals

Arugula has a wide variety of minerals along with high levels of copper and iron. If you are looking for a substitute for spinach, you can still get all that flavor and lots of iron to boot. Arugula also has vitamin A, B, C, and magnesium in addition to the ones mentioned earlier! Tats a lot of nutrition for one little package!

10. Aphrodisiac Properties

Now this is something kale just can’t give you! Arugula has been used as an aphrodisiac since about the first century. In Roman times, love potions were made using arugula and lavender.

Research now shows us that the high antioxidant levels, along with trace minerals, are essential for a healthy sex life. Dark leafy green vegetables help block out environmental toxins which can be negative and damage a person’s libido.

In fact, a study published in the March 2013 in the journal of Al-Nahrain University showed that an extract from arugula leaves improved sperm activity and raised testosterone levels in mice.

Sources: http://www.justnaturallyhealthy.com/health-tips/143-10-amazing-benefits-of-arugula

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/9-arugula-benefits-for-your-salads-health-love-life.html

http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2012/05/21/why-you-should-be-eating-more-arugula/

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