The benefits and harms of arugula salad for the human body
Today, the benefits and harms of arugula salad for the human body are known all over the world. Italians grow it most of all. This is one of the oldest plants known since the time of the Roman Empire. Then arugula was still uncultivated and was not widely used for food, but was considered only a powerful aphrodisiac. Over time, people have noticed and appreciated the healing properties of the plant. The Indians considered arugula to be an effective remedy for skin conditions. It was also used in the treatment of scurvy and as an antiseptic.
Today, arugula is an integral part of favorite salads, as well as an excellent seasoning for meat. It has a beneficial effect on our health, but it also has a number of contraindications. Next, consider the benefits and harms of arugula for the body.
Composition and calorie content
Many people wonder: is arugula useful? The value of certain products depends on what nutrients they contain. There are plenty of them in this plant. Arugula contains vitamins in significant quantities (A, E, C, the whole group B, as well as more rare ones - K and PP).
Next are the macronutrients:
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- calcium and others).
Arugula salad contains a huge amount of trace elements:
- zinc;
- manganese;
- iron and others.
Separately fatty acids worth mentioning. So Omega-9 normalizes cholesterol levels, are effective prevention of diabetes, blood clots. Omega-3s inhibit the aging process, are useful for the nervous system, participate in regeneration skin. Plant components (phytosterols) become building building blocks of cell membranes. Flavonoids make the walls of blood vessels stronger and more elastic, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Among carbohydrates that are contained in arugula, fiber and pectin, but the sucrose content is insignificant.
Arugula seeds are a valuable source of essential oils, and young stems and leaves are rich in iodine.
With regard to the benefits of arugula for women who follow the figure, this plant helps to normalize metabolism, which guarantees a stable weight. At the same time, the calorie content of arugula is only 25 kcal / 100 g of fresh product. Arugula for weight loss is a very useful product.
The benefits and harms of arugula salad for the body
Like many other plants, arugula salad simultaneously carries both positive and negative components.
Moderate consumption will never harm and fill the body with only useful elements:
- Serves as an excellent filler for salads. A high percentage of fiber makes you feel full, and a relatively low percentage of calories does not lead to fullness.
- Vitamin K enhances calcium absorption. This makes your teeth, bones and muscles stronger.
- With regular consumption of fresh arugula, blood pressure normalizes. The walls of blood vessels and the myocardium are strengthened, the heart rate returns to normal.
- Greens have a beneficial effect on brain function. Nutrients are good for the nervous system. They act as a natural sedative and help fight stress and depression.
- The benefits of arugula have been proven for the gastrointestinal tract. It normalizes the stomach, improves digestion. Also acts as a hepatoprotective agent.
- Indicated for people with weak immunity, prone to all kinds of colds.Vitamin C increases the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria. Decoctions are prepared from the leaves. They help with a bad cough.
- Arugula should be consumed by couples wishing to conceive a child. It has been scientifically proven to be effective in restoring reproductive function in both sexes.
Arugula oil and cosmetology
Nature gives us a lot of natural products for personal care. Arugula seed oil relieves inflammation, nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Add it a few drops in creams and masks.
For damaged and dry hair, this is a real salvation. The oil penetrates deeply into the hair structure, making it strong and shiny.
Here are the recipes for the most useful masks:
- Arugula oil (2 tablespoons) + white clay (40 g) + a few drops of essential oil (your choice). Mix thoroughly and apply to slightly damp hair.
- Equal parts of arugula oil and capsicum tincture + tbsp. l. balm for hair.
Notable the effect can be achieved by consuming oil with food, for example, filling it salad.
Contraindications
On The benefits and harms of arugula salad are greatly influenced by the soil in which it grows. If in the ground has got pesticides, then the leaves and stalks of arugula will be high concentration of mercury. It is best to grow it yourself or buy it from proven locations.
Allergy sufferers should be very careful with this plant. It is a strong allergen. Especially this concerns people who cannot stand turnips or radishes. Arugula allergy can present with a small rash that resolves after taking antihistamines. But you can earn and serious poisoning of the body.
Also do not get carried away with arugula for those who have problems with the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, stomach ulcer and problems with the pancreas were diagnosed. Also also applies to the hearts, systematically taking medications. Consultation of a cardiologist is required.
Many women are wondering if arugula is possible during pregnancy. There are many opinions regarding this. But experts recommend pregnant and lactating mothers to refrain from salads with this plant. The risk of allergies in the mother or child is high.
If the greens are absorbed in large quantities, it will provoke uterine contraction. If the organ is already in good shape, this can lead to premature birth.
Harvesting and storage of leaves
Young leaves need to be collected before the flowering period. Remember they are fast wither. It is better to place them in a sealed bag with a fastener right away. Will fit and paper. This will keep the greens fresh for several days. Can put a glass of water in the refrigerator and place a bunch of arugula in it. It will turn out original edible bouquet.
For longer storage will have to resort to freezing. But after thawing it won't taste so good anymore. Raw materials are finely chopped, slightly salted and packaged in small bags or plastic containers. It is allowed to freeze whole leaves. Before that, they are washed and blotted with a paper towel.
Dried arugula makes an excellent seasoning. Clean and dry leaves are chopped and dried on a baking sheet for about a week. Then they are poured into glass containers. This way the arugula will retain its flavor and aroma until next year.
To eat fresh herbs all year round, you need to purchase seeds from a specialized store. Drop them off in a regular flower pot or a box. Water your small vegetable garden regularly and care for the plants as you would dill or parsley.
There has always been a lot of controversy about the benefits and dangers of arugula salad, but if health permits, regularly include this product in your diet. It is a source of youth and energy for the body. With it, you will forget about problems with excess weight, hypertension and chronic fatigue.Arugula combines light notes of nut (typical for young plants with small leaves), pepper and mustard (in tall specimens with large leaves). They cook pasta with her pizza, all kinds of salads and light sauces. But frying it in fat or seasoning it with mayonnaise is not recommended, it will not taste good. Arugula is served with meat, fish and seafood. Try adding it to a pie filling or an omelet for a real delicacy.