Arugula (also known as rocket) is flavorful green leafy vegetable that’s high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. Eating two cups of arugula will give you 20 percent of your daily need for vitamin A, half of your vitamin K, plus about 10 percent of your requirement for vitamin C, folate and calcium. All for ten tiny calories.
Arugula is related to Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale, so it has all the health benefits of other cruciferous vegetables, namely, lots of antioxidants that can help prevent cancer (especially lung and colon cancer) and diabetes. Plus the vitamin K and calcium can help to prevent osteoporosis as you get older.
Use arugula in a gig salad topped with fresh fruits, nuts and a light dressing. It’s especially tasty with apple or pear slices, dried cranberries and walnuts. Arugula can be sautéed in a little bit of olive oil and garlic and served as a side dish similar to spinach (but tastier).
