It’s easy to bypass this leafy food on your weekly grocery shop. There are so many other choices. But I’ve found that nutritious arugula, a cold-weather green, is surprisingly filling. Even for it’s low calorie count it provides many nutritional benefits.
For a fragile-looking leaf, it packs a nutritional punch.
Two cups of arugula is only around 10 calories and provides you with 20% of your vitamin A, over 50% of vitamin K*, and 8% of your vitamin C, folate, and calcium daily needs.
Consuming more greens has been linked to decreasing the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Some side benefits are a glowing complexion, increased energy, and less of an urge to overeat, due to the healthy fiber.
Building stronger bones
If you’re looking for alternatives to dairy and are concerned about having strong bones, you need to know that arugula is a great source of calcium, providing 64 milligrams in 2 cups. The large amount of vitamin K also aids in calcium absorption.
Stop feeling so tired all the time.
When you’re regularly getting enough leafy greens, you improve muscle performance during exercise, which in turn gives you more endurance over time. Arugula is one of the greens that provides this nutritional support. Imagine having sustained energy throughout your day. I’ve found the simple addition of more varied greens throughout the week gives me a boost.
Cancer fighter
It’s not new research. Plenty of studies have pointed to the power of eating high amounts of cruciferous vegetables as a way of preventing cancer. It’s been shown that the sulfur-containing compounds that make the greens taste bitter are also high in antioxidants. Recently, researchers have discovered that these compounds, known clinically as sulforaphane, may block the growth of cancer cells.
Healing foods
Could it be possible that standard cancer treatment in the future could include eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage? Food that is truly nourishing can make a significant difference to our overall health. It’s encouraging to see where nutritional science is headed in helping to prevent and treat chronic degenerative illness.
As you can see, there are many benefits to adding more greens to your diet. Arugula is one that can shake up your salad repertoire.
Tell Me:
Do you have a regular assortment of greens on your weekly menu? Check out one of my favorite salad variations and let me know how you like it in the comments!
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Blessings,
Sheila
*People who are taking blood-thinners should consult their doctor before increasing their current intake of leafy greens, as vitamin K plays a large part in blood clotting.
