25 Feb Rucola is good for our body. Here’s why!
Rucola is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, with recognized uses in both culinary and medical/herbal fields. Its history is ancient, dating back to Roman times when it was employed in numerous preparations as a flavoring ingredient for foods, as well as an aphrodisiac substance.
We often think of arugula as a vegetable to be consumed exclusively in summer, perhaps enriching the salad we usually prepare to cool off from the heat. Nothing could be further from the truth. Arugula has multiple beneficial properties that should encourage us to use Eruca sativa miller even when, as now, temperatures drop and the cold chills the bones.
Here’s a little reminder to keep in mind, reminding us why it’s good to have arugula in the pantry.
Good for the Figure
Arugula is rich in vitamin C, which promotes the synthesis of carnitine in the body, an amino acid capable of burning stored fats by accelerating metabolism and activating lipid oxidation. Furthermore, the presence of calcium, in addition to stimulating lipolysis, reduces the accumulation of lipids introduced through diet, producing a calming effect on nervous hunger. With a low calorie intake, it is suitable for any type of dietary regimen and has draining and diuretic effects, thus helping the liver to eliminate toxins.
Promotes Digestion
Arugula has digestive properties, as it contains some antioxidant compounds capable of protecting the liver and, consequently, improving the entire digestive process. The protective action of beta-carotene also helps prevent gastritis and ulcerative conditions.
Prevents Inflammation and Strengthens the Immune System
The significant amount of vitamin C contained in arugula helps strengthen the immune system, fight flu-like symptoms and seasonal illnesses, and prevent inflammatory conditions of the respiratory system. Glucosinolates and flavonoids in arugula exert antioxidant effects. Glucosinolates also play an active antibacterial and antiviral role, intervening in the reduction of inflammatory conditions.
Strengthens Bones
Vitamin K, together with folic acid and calcium, helps remineralize bones, making them stronger and thus preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin K activates some plasma proteins, such as prothrombin, responsible for transforming fibrinogen into fibrin to regulate the coagulation process, stopping it when necessary to maintain the correct viscosity of the blood.
Prevents Tumor Pathologies
The antioxidant components in arugula, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, sulforaphane, other glucosinolates, and erucin, give this plant a preventive action against tumor pathologies.
Antidiabetic Function
The fatty acids (palmitic acid, azelaic acid, trans-vaccenic acid, and palmitoleic acid) contained in arugula can control blood sugar levels.
Suitable for Pregnant Women
Arugula is ideal during pregnancy because it is rich in folates that transform into folic acid, playing a preventive role against fetal malformations and promoting correct development.
Beauty Ally
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, arugula is an ingredient capable of nourishing the skin deeply, making it bright, soft, and plump. Vitamins K and B9, on the other hand, invigorate the hair and promote hair growth, nourishing the fiber and making the hair thicker and stronger.
Relaxing Action
In the form of an infusion, arugula has relaxing properties and is recommended to promote good sleep.
Natural Aphrodisiac
Always considered an aphrodisiac par excellence, arugula is rich in minerals useful for sexual activity and cardiovascular health. The content of nitrates with the release of nitric oxide could increase blood flow to the sexual organs, promoting erection.
It is good to note, in order to make the consumer attentive, informed, and aware when purchasing, that currently one of the largest productions of arugula is in the Piana del Sele, where, in August 2020, thanks to a demanding group effort, arugula obtained the prestigious IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) label, and subsequently, the Consortium for the Protection of Arugula from Piana del Sele IGP was established. Promoter of this success for the territory is the Altamura family, which in 2018, relying on its experience and attachment to the land and tradition, decided to gather around it the best companies in the Piana del Sele, giving rise to Altamura OP, a producers’ organization. Today, Altamura OP has about 20 companies (a number in constant fluctuation) and develops its crops on an area of about 350 hectares, of which almost 30% are dedicated, thanks to conversion, to organic production. Among the references are not only 50 varieties of baby-leaf, but also niche products, to meet the most disparate market needs, produced and processed with the integrated defense method that safeguards humans and the environment.
Article by Annatina Franzese for Luciano Pignataro Wine Blog and Altamura OP
Source: https://www.lucianopignataro.it/a/la-rucola-fa-bene-ecco-perche/229355/
