Arugula Great for Health & Aphrodisiac

In Roman times Arugula was grown for both it's leaves and the seed.  Some people argue that Arugula and  garden vegetable named Oroth (mentioned in the Bible) are same.  During the 1st century AD, Arugula was used as a key ingredient in aphrodisiac concoctions.The seed was used for flavoring oils.  (Cambridge World History of Food).

Health benefits of Rocket Salad – also known as Arugula

• Arugula is one very low-calorie vegetable. 100 g of fresh leaves provides just 25 calories. It has many vital phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can immensely benefit health.
• Arugula has an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity, a measure of anti-oxidant strength)
• Arugula is rich source of indoles, thiocyanates, sulforaphane, and iso­thiocyanates.  Together, these have been found to counter carcinogenic effects of estrogen and thus help benefit against prostate, breast, cervical, colon, ovarian cancers by virtue of their cancer-cell growth inhibition, cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
• In addition, di-indolyl-methane (DIM), found in Arugula has currently found application in the treatment of recurring respiratory papillomatosis caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and is in Phase III clinical trials for cervical dysplasia.
• Arugula is a very good source of folates.  100 g of fresh greens contain 97 µg or 24% of folic acid.  If given to anticipating mothers during their conception time, folate helps prevent neural tube defects in the newborns.
• Like kale, Arugula is an excellent source of vitamin A. 100 g fresh leaves contain 1424 µg of beta-carotene, and 2373 IU of vitamin A. Carotenes convert into vitamin A in the body.  Studies found that vitamin A and flavonoid compounds in green leafy vegetables help protect from skin, lung and oral cavity cancers.
• Arugula is rich in B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid those are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions.
• Arugula leaves contain good levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful, natural anti-oxidant.
• Arugula is one of the excellent vegetable sources for vitamin-K; 100 g provides about 90% of recommended intake.  Vitamin K has potential role bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity.  Increased vitamin-K levels in the diet help limiting neuronal damage in the brain.  It may prove helpful  in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

 MicroGreensNH grow Arugula in the Asian and Rainbox mixes.  It is also grown by itself by Special Order.