Is arugula good for you? Easy salad recipes to try today

If you're wondering - is arugula good for you? Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that has become very popular in the United States in the last few years. It's considered one of the healthiest foods there and isoften used as a salad base.

If you're trying to watch your weight or have more healthy foods, adding arugula to your diet is one of the best ways to do it.

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What is arugula?

Arugula an be used as a topping. (Image via Pexels/Romjan Aly)

Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that's part of the cruciferous family. It's also known as rocket and roquette and has a peppery flavor similar to mustard greens or arugula.

Arugula can be added to salads, sandwiches, soups and pasta dishes for extra flavor. It's high in potassium (a mineral that helps maintain normal blood pressure), calcium (which supports healthy bones) and iron (needed for energy production).

It also has vitamins A (for healthy skin), C (to help fight infection) and K (necessary for blood clotting).

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Is arugula good for you? - Health benefits of arugula

Here are the top five reasons for those wondering 'is arugula good for you?'

1) Rich in vitamins and minerals

Arugula is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron and potassium. These vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, strong bones and good overall health.

2) Low in calories

It's low in calorie. (Image via Pexels/Ruslan Khelevsky)

Arugula is a low-calorie food that can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. One cup of arugula contains only about five calories.

3) High in antioxidants

Arugula is high in antioxidants, which help fight damage from free radicals. That can lower risk of chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease.

4) Anti-inflammatory properties

Arugula contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.

5) Good for digestion

Arugula is good for digestion. (Image via Pexels/Valeria Boltneva)

Arugula is high in fiber, which is important for maintaining good digestion and preventing constipation. It also contains enzymes that aid in digestion.

Overall, arugula is a nutrient-dense food that can provide a range of health benefits. It can be enjoyed raw in salads, added to sandwiches or wraps or used as a topping for pizzas and pastas.

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Easy salad recipes to try today

Arugula can be used in salad or sandwiches. (Image via Pexels/Dana Tentis )

1) In salad

Arugula goes well with other greens and vegetables, so it's an easy addition to any salad. It pairs particularly well with tomatoes, olives and cheese. You can even make the famous green goddess salad.

2) Make pesto for pasta or sandwiches

To make pesto from scratch at home:

• Combine two cups fresh basil leaves (about 2 bunches), 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts (roasted is best), four cloves garlic (crushed) and salt to taste in a food processor till it's finely chopped. Add 1/4 cup olive oil in a thin stream till it becomes a paste-like consistency; stir in parmesan cheese if you like.
• You can also use store-bought vegan pestos that contain no dairy products. Either way - this will be delicious.

3) Make an open-faced sandwich using sliced turkey breast meat instead of bread slices. The combination of thinly sliced meats mixed together with creamy avocado slices can make any lunchtime meal more satisfying.

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Is arugula good for you? Yes, arugula is a tasty, leafy green that you can use in salads.

It has a slightly peppery flavor and pairs well with other ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, nuts and cheese. If you're looking for an easy way to get more greens into your diet, try one of the aforementioned recipes.