Health Benefits of Arugula

Arugula is a wonderful leafy green vegetable that can be found all over the world and is in the same family as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. It is grown on a large scale for commercial consumption, but also It is easily grown at home. Arugula is a good dietary choice because is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are excellent for your overall health. Here are some reasons why you should add Arugula to your meals.

Antioxidant Properties

This vegetable is loaded with a good amount of antioxidants and can considerably increase the value of Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) which is a measurement of antioxidant power. Antioxidants are those that fight against free radicals which are harmful to our bodies. Your immune system can also benefit from antioxidants that are contained in Arugula, which can improve defense against simple health problems like the common cold as well as a lot more complicated conditions, which include cancer, heart disease, and premature aging.

Bone Health

Arugula contains a good amount of Vitamin K and this vitamin is really important for the absorption of calcium into the bones and teeth. This vitamin works well in the prevention of heart disease. Plaque that forms inside the linings of the arteries may be partly associated with calcium that is not absorbed by the bones and teeth. Vitamin K helps to keep this calcium going to the bones where it belongs!

Cancer Prevention

Because this vegetable has lots of phytochemicals can be a useful prevention of cancer. Phytochemicals are substances like for instance thiocyanates, sulforaphane, or indoles. So Phytochemicals are very effective in fighting against cancer-causing reactions in the body’s processes (assisting in fighting prostate, breast, cervical, colon, and even ovarian cancers). These phytochemicals, present in large quantities in Arugula, slow down the activity of those cancer-causing cells.

Metabolic Functions

Yet another good thing about arugula is the presence of B-complex vitamins, in past times known simply as vitamin B, they are a group of 8 different vitamins and all of them work to promote cell metabolism and health. B Vitamins take part and help in all different cell activities such as energy production, fat synthesis, the generation of red blood cells, and a lot of other important processes for cell and metabolic health.

Weight Loss

Adding Arugula to your diet is equal to some other low-calorie and nutrient-rich plants which has a positive effect on any efforts for weight loss. With satisfying a lot of nutritional needs your health will be in good shape, without having drastic changes to your diet.

Cleanses and detoxifies the body

In this vegetable is found a good amount of fiber that can help cleanse the colon and promote healthy bowel movements. Antioxidants, minerals, and phytochemicals that are contained in Arugula are helpful to cleanse out toxins from the body.

Protects the aging brain from cognitive decline

The majority of B-group vitamins are contained in Arugula, especially folate. Low levels of folate are shown to be a risk factor for older adults in cognitive decline.