*picture found on internet, source unknown*
Happy Thursday friends! Today I am so excited to share another Thursday Health Thought post on the benefits of a food that I have been eating that were truly amazing to learn about! If you missed my post from yesterday on what is in my grocery cart (click HERE), or are new to the blog, then you may not know my love affair with fresh and health foods!
Last week my mom and I were out to lunch at one of our favorite cafes and they had a new salad- a strawberry arugula salad that we tried and it was delicious. Last summer I shared all about the incredible benefits of strawberries (you can read them HERE) but didn't know what the benefits were of arugula. Immediately I wanted to start researching all about the benefits of arugula which is something that I don't typically buy that much. I am not sure why, but before this it is a green that I typically only enjoy when I eat out. After reading the benefits though I literally went right to the store and now will be adding this incredible green into my weekly greens.
Y'all, even after more than a decade of writing about the benefits of different foods and things in life, I still stand amazed at the health benefits that good food brings to our bodies! So today I wanted to share just some of the benefits with you today!
*picture found on internet, source unknown*
First a couple of interesting facts to know:
1. Arugula has Versatile Uses
While arugula is often enjoyed fresh in salads, its peppery flavor and tender leaves make it a versatile ingredient in various culinary dishes. In addition to salads, arugula can be used as a topping for pizzas, added to sandwiches and wraps, stirred into pasta dishes, or blended into pesto for an extra zing. Its bold flavor can enhance the taste of many dishes, adding a unique twist to traditional recipes.
2. Arugula is Fast Growing and Hearty
Arugula is a resilient and fast-growing plant, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners and commercial farmers alike. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale. Arugula thrives in cooler temperatures and can be grown in both spring and fall seasons. Its quick growth cycle allows for multiple harvests throughout the growing season, making it a popular choice for those seeking a continuous supply of fresh greens.
*picture found on internet, source unknown*
Someone has called this green an "underdog" and I would completely agree because it is not talked about that much, but no more in my life! *smiles* If you are considering whether or not to add this to your diet, here are10 powerful health benefits that are found in arugula to convince you it is worth it:
1. Arugula is Nutrient Dense
Arugula is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, and potassium. These nutrients play essential roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.
2. Arugula is a Powerhouse of Antioxidants
Loaded with potent antioxidants such as beta-carotene and quercetin, arugula helps combat oxidative stress in the body, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
3. Arugula is Wonderful for Boosting the Immune System
The vitamin C content in arugula boosts the immune system, helping the body fend off infections and illnesses. Incorporating arugula into your diet can contribute to your overall immune health.
4. Arugula Helps Your Heart
Arugula is a good source of nitrates, compounds that have been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, its high levels of potassium support heart function and regulate blood pressure.
5. Arugula Help With Digestion
Arugula contains fiber, which supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. It also contains compounds that help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in nutrient absorption.
I found this to be particularly interesting - especially for me personally with one of the issues that I critically struggled with during my battle with Lyme. One severe area that Lyme attacked was my entire digestive system, colon, etc. Despite not being able to eat many foods each time I would eat arugula it always helped me and was a critical part of my nutrition and therapy in getting well. SO interesting!
6. Arugula is Wonderful for Your Bones
Rich in vitamin K, arugula promotes bone health by aiding in calcium absorption and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Including arugula in your diet can contribute to maintaining strong and healthy bones.
7. Arugula is Helpful With Weight Management
With its low calorie and high nutrient content, arugula is an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight. Its fiber content helps promote satiety, keeping you feeling full for longer periods and reducing overall calorie intake.
8. Arugula Helps With Inflammation
The phytochemicals found in arugula, such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
9. Arugula is Beneficial for Your Eyes
Arugula contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that are beneficial for eye health. These compounds help protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, promoting long-term vision health.
10. Arugula Changes Your Skin
The vitamins and antioxidants in arugula contribute to healthy, glowing skin. Vitamin A supports skin cell turnover, while vitamin C promotes collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity and prevent premature aging.
Looking for the Arugula benefits but don't enjoy the texture or flavor? Try purchasing a supplement for health benefits! You can find a very popular kind HERE!
Looking for arugula seeds to plant for this year? Check out THESE seeds here that we are using!
Interested in finding out more about different health benefits of different foods and habits Click HERE to check out a whole page of linked helpful resources of blog posts from the past decade!!
Interested in "green" health benefit blog posts? Check out the following posts by clicking on the links below!
What about you? Have you found any amazing benefits or helpful from consuming arugula? I would love to hear how you incorporate avocados into your daily life!
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
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