Arugula, also known as salad or garden rocket, is a leafy green of Mediterranean origin. Often described as having a spicy or peppery flavor, this cruciferous vegetable is one of the few members of the brassicaceae family that is easily digested in its raw state.
Special Precautions of Arugula
The benefits of Arugula are
- Like many leafy greens, arugula is a high-fiber, nutrient-dense food.
- It is an excellent source of B vitamins (especially folate), and antioxidant vitamins A and C, and also contains trace minerals including magnesium, iron, calcium, and copper.
- Arugula is also an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps the body absorb calcium, protects against Alzheimer’s disease , and helps maintain cardiovascular and bone health.
- Like other cruciferous vegetables, arugula is high in cancer-preventing (and cancer-fighting!) phytochemicals. Research suggests that cruciferous vegetables are especially useful for warding off prostate , breast , cervical , colon and ovarian cancers.
- Arugula is high in chlorophyll, a substance that may help protect against liver and DNA damage related to aflatoxin exposure (e.g. from moldy grains and legumes).
- Detox : Arugula is a type of cruciferous vegetable (like broccoli, kale, and watercress) that contain a number of compounds that aid in detoxification.