Arugula is a health superstar, boasting an impressive roster of nutritional benefits that come at a small caloric price – meaning you can munch on the peppery green without worrying about your waistline.
Arugula is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, containing many of the same cancer fighting qualities as broccoli, watercress, and cabbage. These include natural phytochemicals, called indoles, which may help to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer. Additionally, the carotenoids found in green, leafy vegetables such as arugula may lower the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer.
Low in Calories
One of the main health benefits of arugula consumption is that it is very low in calories and very rich in nutrients and minerals. This makes arugula a significant vegetable to consume regularly because of its nutrition without loading your body with too many calories and fats. This green leafy vegetable provides the body with remarkable amounts of Vitamin A, C, K, and calcium. Adding arugula to your diet will optimize your overall health.
Helps to Prevent Cancer
Cancer is one of the most feared illnesses to date and with no known cure for this horrible ailment, it has become one of the popular causes of death. Arugula is known to have a very rich fiber, called glucosinolates, as well as powerful and effective antioxidants that have been shown to significantly reduce risks of various types of cancer specifically in the breast, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. The properties found in this vegetable keep the cells healthy and enable their self-repairing ability. In addition, arugula’s chlorophyll protects the DNA from damage. With DNA damage the possibility of cancer increases.
Hydrates the Body
The water content of arugula is impressive. Studies show that this vegetable is up to 90% water which makes it a very hydrating and refreshing food. Arugula is already a common ingredient in many healthy salads and what the majority of us do not know is that it also make a thirst-quenching drink especially on hot summer days. If you want to maintain sufficient fluid levels in your body, regularly consuming arugula is of great effect.
Good for The Bones
This green leafy vegetable is concentrated with Vitamin K that is a very essential element for the body to absorb calcium efficiently. Calcium is what the bones need to be healthy, strong, and well functioning. Insufficient calcium absorption results in brittle bones as well as bone disorders like osteoporosis, bone loss, and other bone problems. Arugula is also jam-packed with calcium which makes it the perfect bone boosting vegetable. It contains high amounts of these two compounds (Vitamin K and Calcium ) that work together for the optimal health of the bones. A cup of arugula contains up to 25 micrograms of Vitamin K. Studies proved that consuming at least 3 cups of this vegetable every day will fully meet the daily Vitamin K requirement of the body. If you want to have great mobility as you reach the age of 70, make it a habit to eat a lot of arugula a day.
Serves as a Cleansing and Detoxifying Agent
As mentioned above, this vegetable also has significant amounts of fiber. Fiber is an effective body cleansing and detoxifying property. It assures that digestion and bowel movements are proper thus assuring the colon is healthy and free from harmful substances. Regular consumption of arugula will remove harmful toxins from the body for its optimal functioning.
Boosts Brain Functions
The brain is one of the most vital parts of the body performing very important tasks. It is a must to engage in a diet that will preserve and heighten brain function. Experts say that as humans grow old, the brain declines resulting in memory loss, inability to focus, exposure to cognitive decline, and more. Arugula consumption has shown great promise in fighting brain aging as well as in the declination of cognitive and motor ability. This is due to its high folate content that maintains and protects mental health and stability. So, if you want to be mentally healthy as you age, make sure to add arugula in your diet program.
Promotes Weight Loss
As discussed above, this vegetable contains a very low number of calories. A cup of arugula only has 40 calories and great news is that it doesn’t make you feel weak throughout your day because of its nutritional profile. On top of that, it is also rich in fiber which is known to regulate digestion. Proper digestion can result in weight loss because indigestion increases the body’s fat storage causing weight gain. If you have been trying to lose weight, arugula would make a perfect addition to your diet program. It can surely help you yield visible and faster results.
Aids Eye Health
Another health benefit that made arugula popular is the fact that it possesses carotenoids that are very helpful in improving the quality of eyesight. On top of that, carotenoids also protect the eyes from age related eye disorders such as loss of vision and macular degeneration. As we grow old, the tendency is for the eye health to deteriorate thus impairing vision and eyes’ cells condition. Consuming arugula regularly will help to slow down the effects of aging.