DavidWolfe.comArugula is a leafy green plant that grows across the globe. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help promote a healthy body. Arugula health benefits include heart, bone, eye and skin health and even cancer protection.
Arugula Health Benefits
1. Provides Cancer Protection
Arugula has sulfur-containing substances called glucosinolates. When you consume arugula, these substances are broken down into powerful compounds known for their anticarcinogenic properties. Arugula health benefits may include cancer protection, thanks to the strong compounds that help protect DNA from damage and kill cancerous cells. (1)
2. Promotes Heart, Bone and Skin Health
Arugula health benefits include a healthy heart, healthy bones and healthy skin thanks to its Vitamin K content. Vitamin K helps regulate calcium to strengthen the bones and prevent degenerative disease. Vitamin K also helps keep the skin soft and supple to reduce signs of aging while keeping calcium deposits out of the arteries to promote a healthy heart.
3. Promotes Healthy Eyes
Arugula contains lutein and zeaxanthin, phytonutrients that are concentrated in the macula region of the eye. They help protect the eye from UV light and high-intensity blue light that can cause eyestrain and vision problems. (2)
4. Provides the Body with Antioxidants
Arugula health benefits include a strengthened immune system thanks to the antioxidants it contains. Antioxidant carotenoids like beta-carotene help prevent free radical damage to keep the body healthy and free of infection.
5. Provides the Body with Vitamin C
Arugula contains Vitamin C, which plays an important role in the body’s overall health. Vitamin C, like other antioxidants, helps the body fight off free radicals that can cause damage. Thanks to Vitamin C, arugula health benefits also include healthy skin and a health cardiovascular system.
6. Provides the Body with Folate and B Vitamins
Arugula contains folate and B vitamins, which are responsible for many of arugula’s health benefits. Folate plays a role in the production of serotonin and in the creation of red blood cells. B vitamins help prevent heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
7. Provides the Body with Essential Minerals
Arugula health benefits include a hefty supply of essential minerals. It contains calcium, Vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and iron, all of which work to keep the body healthy and strong.
8. Provides the Body with Cholorphyll
Arugula contains chlorophyll, which works as a natural blood cleanser. By helping to cleanse the blood and provide the body with oxygen, the chlorophyll in arugula works to detox the body and increase energy levels. (3)
9. Works as an Aphrodisiac
Arugula health benefits include aphrodisiac properties. While it isn’t as strong as other aphrodisiac foods, consuming arugula on a regular basis can help boost libido and provide the body with energy.
10. Aids in Weight Loss
Arugula health benefits also include weight loss. It’s very low in calories and carbohydrates but high in essential nutrients. By increasing the body’s energy, arugula helps promote a healthy metabolism.