Contents
Arugula, like other herbs, has a number of useful properties. It contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the body. However, in some cases, eating this plant may be contraindicated. We understand what are the benefits and harms of arugula for human health.
History of arugula
“Mustard grass” – this is what arugula was called in the time of Julius Caesar. She was considered curative. For example, the ancient Roman emperor himself asked to season all his drugs with arugula. Caesar believed that arugula increases male libido and improves potency.
In eastern countries (Turkey, Lebanon and Syria), arugula was used as a remedy for infertility. Grass treated diseases of the esophagus and dermatitis. In India, oil for skin and hair was made from it.
The seasoning owes its name to Italy, where arugula was used to make pesto sauce, pasta, salads and the famous risotto. The French added seasoning to summer salads, the Egyptians garnished seafood and bean appetizers.
Until recently, in Our Country, the spice was called caterpillar – because of the shape of the leaves. For a long time, it was considered a weed, so it was fed to pets. Only in recent decades, arugula began to appear on tables.
The composition and calorie content of arugula
| Caloric value on 100 g | 25 kcal |
| Proteins | 2,6 g |
| Fats | 0,7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2,1 g |
The benefits of arugula
Arugula is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals:
| beta-carotene (vitamin A) | vitamins of group B |
| vitamin E | vitamin C |
| vitamin K | zinc |
| selenium | manganese |
| iron | phosphorus |
| sodium |
Arugula normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, fights harmful microbes and viruses. Increases immunity. Vitamins strengthen the walls of blood vessels, fight the deposition of salts and the appearance of cholesterol. The plant increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, has a beneficial effect on the “nerves”. Helps to quickly calm down and focus. Arugula is also used as a diuretic and tonic.
Harm of arugula
Due to the high sugar content, the seasoning is not suitable for people with diabetes. Also, with caution, you need to introduce arugula into your diet for those who are diagnosed with gastritis with high acidity.
Arugula causes individual intolerance. Therefore, if there is an allergy to cabbage, radish or turnips, most likely, the reaction will be to spicy grass.
The use of arugula in medicine
Arugula is low in calories, so nutritionists recommend it for obesity. It can be used as one of the main products on fasting days.
Rucola is a useful product that contains substances (glucosainates and sulforaphanes) that protect the body from the development of cancerous tumors. Also, due to its composition, this herb is able to suppress various viruses. Vitamin A in the form of carotenoids improves vision, improves immunity, and protects mucous membranes. The B group of vitamins is responsible for the nervous system and brain function. Vitamin K helps wound healing. This herb is useful for obesity, due to fiber, it saturates well. Arugula goes well with meat and acid-forming foods. Therefore, it reduces the risk of developing gout, deposits of uric acid salts. There is one “but”: the seasoning is contraindicated for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,” said nutritionist, candidate of medical sciences Elena Solomatina.
Application in cooking
Arugula has a sharp spicy taste and a light green aroma. Seasoning is added to salads, as an addition to meat, vegetable stew or pasta. Italians use arugula in pizza and pesto.
Steak with arugula
An unusual way to serve a steak. The meat is juicy, with a spicy aroma of greens. The dish goes well with a light vegetable salad.
| Red onion | 2 piece. |
| Steaks | 4 piece. |
| Rukola | 1 packaging |
| Parsley | 3 Art. spoons |
| Parmesan | 1 Art. a spoon |
| Balsamic vinegar | 2 Art. spoons |
| Olive oil | 3 Art. spoons |
| Black pepper, salt | to taste |
Fry the onion in olive oil until golden brown, put on a plate. Fry the steak on both sides to the desired degree. Mix arugula with herbs, onion and parmesan. Put the steak on a plate and decorate it with the prepared mixture.
Submit your signature dish recipe by email. [email protected]. Healthy Food Near Me will publish the most interesting and unusual ideas
Vegetable salad with arugula
Vitamin summer salad will decorate both lunch and evening tables. Arugula goes especially well with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, giving them a special rich taste. It takes only 5-7 minutes to prepare the dish
| Rukola | 100 g |
| Cherry tomatoes | 12-15 pieces. |
| Mozzarella cheese | 50 g |
| Kedrovыe walnuts | 1 Art. a spoon |
| Olive oil | 1 Art. a spoon |
| Salt, black ground pepper | to taste |
Cut the arugula, cheese and tomatoes. Put the grass on the plate first, then the mixed tomatoes with mozzarella. Sprinkle salad with pine nuts, salt, black pepper and season with olive oil.
How to choose and store arugula
When choosing arugula, pay attention to its freshness. The leaves of a quality product will be strong, green, without damage.
Also, when buying, you should remember one rule: the larger the size of the leaves of arugula, the less bitterness in it. And vice versa.
Leaves with a yellowish tinge and larger than 30 centimeters are unsuitable for food. They contain a minimum set of vitamins and minerals.
Storage conditions. Keep arugula in the refrigerator in a container of water. This will keep it for up to six days. If you need to keep the seasoning longer, store it in the freezer.