Arugula

Arugula


Scientific Name: Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae)


salad rocket, wild rocket, garden rocket, rucola, rucoli, rugula, colewort, roquette,




Arugula is a small, low growing annual herb featuring Dandelion like succulent, elongated, lobular leaves with green-veins and belongs to the genus eruca within the botanical family Brassicaceae (similar to Mustard Greens, Cauliflower, Kale, etc.).

• Arugula flowers, pods and seeds are also edible.














Plant Description


History


Types & Varieties


Mechanism of Action


Additional Information






Key Actions


Usable Parts


Directions of Preparation


Recommended Dosage


Its Active Constituents:

• An ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity, a measure of anti-oxidant strength) of about 1904µmol TE per 100g.

Arugula contain:

Glucosinolates,

• Its excellent in Vitamin A, Vitamin K.

• Its very good in Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, Lutein + Zeaxanthin.

• It has average trace of Dietary Fiber, Manganese, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E.

• Being a member of brassica family, Arugula leaves are rich sources of certain Phytochemicals (such as Indoles, thiocyanates, Sulforaphane, and iso­thiocyanates).

• One of greens rich in Folates

.

• High in “Beta-Carotene (1424µg/100g), Lutein and Zeaxanthin (3555µ/100g)




Health Benefits of Arugula



Anti-Aging

Anti-Aging


Arugula contain compounds (Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A, Lutein and zea-xanthin) which act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

Zeaxanthin (a yellow Flavonoid Carotenoid compound) is absorbed into the retinal macula lutea where it filters harmful UV rays from reaching the retina, thus help to protect from age-related macular disease, especially in the Elderly people.




Foods & Bones

Bones

Bones


Arugula Vitamin K content has potential role in Bone Health by promoting osteotrophic (Bone formation and strengthening) activity.

Vitamin K is important for blood and Bone Health as it promotes Bone-building by helping Calcium adhere to the Bone.

Vitamin K intakes were reduce the risk of hip fracture and increased Bone mineral density.




Foods & Bones

Cancer Prevention

Cancer & Tumor Prevention


Phytochemicals compounds in brassica family have been found inhibit carcinogenic effects of estrogen, hence may offer protection against Prostate, breast, cervical, colon, Ovarian Cancers by virtue of their cancer-cell growth inhibition, cytotoxic effects on Cancer cells.

Arugula Vitamin A and Flavonoid compounds in Green Leafy Vegetables help protect from Skin, lung and oral cavity Cancers.

Arugula (and brassica family Vegetables such as Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cabbage) are high in Fiber, anti-oxidants,and Glucosinolates, and can reduce the risk of developing lung, Prostate, breast and Pancreatic Cancer.

Vitamin K appears to significantly lower the risk for both Liver and Prostate Cancer.

Beta-Carotenes may also play a part in preventing Cancer (particularly lung, esophagus and Stomach Cancers).




Foods & Cancer

Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular System


Vitamin K supports cardiovascular health by preventing serious health problems such as atherosclerosis (Calcium and Lipid plaques occurring within artery walls) and Stroke.

Carotenoids may also reduce the risk of heart disease and improve immune function.




Foods & Cardiovascular System

Circulatory System

Circulatory System


Arugula Vitamin K content is essential for the proper coagulation of blood and prevention of bleeding (blood loss during the process of Wound healing) by means of prothrombin (a blood coagulation factor).

• It prevents hemorrhagic disease in newborns.

• The disease manifests itself through various forms of bleeding and can be treated by administering Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 2.5–25mg to the newborns to prevent hypoprothrombinemia and hemorrhage.




Foods & Circulatory System

Eye

Eye


Arugula Vitamin A content is known to have anti-oxidant properties and is essential for vision.

Vitamin A is essential for a healthy Eye/vision and protection of macular degeneration. It maintains the Cornea and helps keep Eyes healthy as it converts light Energy into nerve impulses that enable vision.

Beta-Carotene rich foods sustain melanin in our Eyes, colours the iris in order to make it more opaque and protect against UV radiation and excess light.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin forms the macular pigment (yellow) found in the macular region of the retina.

• Its best known for its benefits on vision, protecting against degenerative Eye diseases by absorbing free radicals from light that may cause cell damage.




Foods & Eye

Immune System

Immune System


Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a Lipid soluble metabolite of Indole has immune modulator, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties (by potentiating Interferon-Gamma receptors).

Vitamin C is a powerful, natural anti-oxidant.

Vitamin C help the Human Body to develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful free radicals from the body.

Glucosinolates stimulate the Immune System and have anti-oxidant properties, hence they prevent oxidative Stress on the body (or sensitive molecules’ reaction with oxygen) and may reduce the risk of certain Cancers (such as colorectal, stomach, breast, Liver, or Lung Cancers).

Vitamin A is a great Immune System stimulator.

• It strengthens the Immune System by supporting the production of Lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that Fight off bacteria, viruses, parasites or Cancer cells).

Vitamin A precursor that functions as an anti-oxidant and is present in rich amounts in yellow and Orange fleshed Fruits and Vegetables (especially dark green Vegetables).

• The Carotenoids (Beta-Carotene, Beta-Cryptoxanthin and Alpha-Carotene) can be converted in the body to Vitamin A (a nutrient integral for vision, immune function, and Skin and Bone Health).

Vitamin K protects against oxidative Stress (anti-oxidant properties). It would appear that Phylloquinone and Menaquinone can protect cells from oxidative Stress. It manages to significantly reduce inflammation (potent Anti-Inflammatory), by lowering interleukin-6 levels.




Foods & Immune System

Infections

Infections


Glucosinolates have Anti-Biotic properties, thus can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms (such as bacteria and fungi).

Vitamin A helps create a barrier against bacteria and viruses by reinforcing our body’s First line of defense: mucous membranes (our Eyes, nose, throat, lungs and Digestive System are lined with mucous membranes).

• For Scurvy, foods rich in Vitamin C help the Human Body protect from Scurvy disease.




Foods & Infections

The Liver

The Liver


Arugula contain chlorophyll (whose most benefit is best maximized when eaten raw) can help to prevent Liver and DNA damage from aflatoxins.




Foods & The Liver

Metabolism

Metabolism


Vitamin K stimulates the absorption of Calcium from both food sources and supplements, thus contributing to strong, healthy Bones. It is the prerequisite for strong, healthy Bones and it prevents osteoclasts from re-absorbing Bone tissue and depleting our Bones of crucial Minerals.




Foods & Metabolism

Musculoskeletal System

Musculoskeletal System


Glucosinolates are applied as poultices to painful (or aching) joints to increase blood flow to the affected area, thus helping to remove the buildup of waste products (a contributory factor in many joint problems).




Foods & Musculoskeletal System

Oral & Dental

Oral & Dental





Foods & Dental

Pregnancy

Pregnancy


Arugula contain Folate which may help prevent neural tube defects in the newborns.

• Its Vitamin A sustains Bone growth and development.

• Its important for embryonic development (healthy babies) as it helps them grow and develop normally and have good immunity.




Foods & Pregnancy

Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health





Foods & Reproductive Health

Respiratory System

Respiratory System


Di-indolyl-methane (DIM) has been used in the treatment of recurring Respiratory papillomatosis caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).




Foods & Respiratory System

Skin Health

Skin Health


Arugula seed extract has been used to treat Skin disorders in traditional Middle Eastern medicine.

Vitamin A is vital for Skin cell renewal, healthy epithelial tissues and mucous membranes.

• It helps keep Skin Healthy by protecting it against Infections, working together to improve rough Skin and maintaining the integrity of epithelial cells, which occur in the Eye, Respiratory tract, genitoUrinary Tract System, and intestinal tract.

Beta-Carotenes increases melanocytes (special cells located deep in the epidermis) where the melanin in our Skin comes from .

• The melanin in our Skin acts like a barrier against radiation coming from the sun.

• It is so efficient that it successfully repels 99.9% of radiation.




Foods & Skin Health

The Brain & Nervous System

The Brain & Nervous System


Arugula has established role in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease‘s disease as adequate Vitamin K levels in the diet help limit neuronal damage in the brain.




Foods & Nervous System

Weight Management

Weight Management





Foods & Weight Management







The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Arugula


The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

(per 100g) of

Arugula



Best Rated For:

Water (g) – 91.71 (-)
0.00%
Energy (2,000.21 Kcal) – 25 (Trace)
1.25%
Protein (90.56g) – 2.58 (Trace)
2.85%
Total Fat (53.27g) – 0.66 (Trace)
1.24%
Ash (g) – 1.4 (-)
0.00%
Carbohydrate (279.66g) – 3.65 (Trace)
1.31%
Total Dietary Fiber (17.1g) – 1.6 (Trace)
9.36%
Total Sugars (g) – 2.05 (-)
0.00%
Calcium (663mg) – 160 (Good)
24.13%
Iron (11.58mg) – 1.46 (Good)
12.61%
Magnesium (275.4mg) – 47 (Good)
17.07%
Phosphorus (1,143mg) – 52 (Trace)
4.55%
Potassium (2,499mg) – 369 (Good)
14.77%
Sodium (2,160mg) – 27 (Trace)
1.25%
Zinc (13.5mg) – 0.47 (Trace)
3.48%
Copper (2.22mg) – 0.076 (Trace)
3.42%
Manganese (3.51mg) – 0.321 (Trace)
9.15%
Selenium (24.90µg) – 0.3 (Trace)
1.20%
Vitamin C [Ascorbic Acid] (99mg) – 15 (Good)
15.15%
Vitamin B1 [Thiamin] (0.96mg) – 0.044 (Trace)
4.58%
Vitamin B2 [Riboflavin] (1.08mg) – 0.086 (Trace)
7.96%
Vitamin B3 [Niacin] (10.44mg) – 0.305 (Trace)
2.92%
Vitamin B5 [Pantothenic Acid] (4.5mg) – 0.437 (Trace)
9.71%
Vitamin B6 [Pyridoxine] (1.59mg) – 0.073 (Trace)
4.59%
Total Folate (µg) – 97 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin B9 [Folate/Folic Acid] (240µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Food Folate (µg) – 97 (-)
0.00%
Dietary Folate Equivalents (µg) – 97 (-)
0.00%
Total Choline (474mg) – 15.3 (Trace)
3.23%
Vitamin B12 [Cyanocobalamin] (2.4µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (2,207.79IU) – 2373 (Excellent)
107.48%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (663µg RAE) – 119 (Good)
17.95%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (663µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Alpha-Carotene ([estimated] 7,956µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Beta-Carotene ([estimated] 3,978µg) – 1424 (Rich)
35.80%
Beta-Cryptoxanthin ([estimated] 7,956µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Lycopene ([estimated] 19,890µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Lutein + Zeaxanthin ([estimated] 22,873.5µg) – 3555 (Good)
15.54%
Vitamin E [Alpha-Tocopherol] (6.6mg) – 0.43 (Trace)
6.52%
Vitamin D [Cholecalciferol] (4.44µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin D [Cholecalciferol] (177.6IU) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin K [Phylloquinone] (51µg) – 108.6 (Excellent)
212.94%
Saturated Fatty Acid (7.02g) – 0.086 (Trace)
1.23%
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (15.6g) – 0.049 (Trace)
0.31%
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (24.9g) – 0.319 (Trace)
1.28%
Cholesterol (300mg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin B8 [Biotin] (51µg) –
Chromium (30µg) –
Fluorine (3.51mg) –
Iodine (131.4µg) –
Molybdenum (50.1µg) –
Chloride (2,061mg) –
Polyunsaturated Fats [Omega-6] (g) –
Polyunsaturated Fats [Omega-3] (g) –
Boron (17.4mg) –
Nickel (0.9mg) –
Vanadium (1.02mg) –