Arugula, also known as salad rocket, garden rocket, roquette, and colewort, has even more benefits than it has names.
This flavorful leafy green is part of the Brassicaceae (or “mustard greens”) plant family, along with other healthy veggies like cabbage, collards, and cauliflower. Arugula has a distinct tart and peppery flavor that you may find a little bitter—but along with the bitterness comes a plethora of valuable nutritional benefits. Keep reading to learn more.
Suppress inflammation
Arugula is rich in bioactive compounds isothiocyanates and 3-carbinol, which research shows can suppress the production of inflammation in the body. According to this review article published in Frontiers, these compounds not only suppress inflammation but control oxidative stress, too.
If you struggle to reduce inflammation symptoms, then having a varied intake of leafy greens will help relieve you more than just increasing your consumption of one or two greens alone. So, elevate your regular spinach salad with some spicy rocket and your gut will thank you!
Good for bone health
Arugula is also rich in vitamin K, which helps with the absorption of calcium into your bones and teeth but also helps increase bone mineral density in those who are osteoporotic, which helps them avoid fractures.
Good for the immune system and overall developments
Along with vitamin K, arugula packs a strong punch of vitamin A, a micronutrient that is crucial to supporting the immune system and helping your body grow and develop properly. Vitamin A is also essential to eye health, cell division, and maintaining a healthy reproductive system.
Prenatal care
Expectant mothers should consider incorporating more arugula into their diet because arugula is also a great source of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate is essential for the development of the fetus and is even known to reduce occurrences of some mental defects in newborns.
Cancer-fighting antioxidants
Arugula also offers consumers carotenoids and flavonoids, antioxidants that lower oxidative stress and can help fight cancer and ward off chronic disease.
