Rucola: composition, useful properties and contraindications

The human diet should include fresh greens. It has useful properties, is a natural source of many vitamins. Rucola refers to one of the special varieties of greens, which has become quite popular in our country. The greens are known as mustard grass, rocket salad, "eruka", "indau". The popularity is due to the fact that more and more people are beginning to lead a healthy lifestyle, and it is impossible without adjusting the diet. The spicy herb is used for cooking, it is actively used for medical purposes and for the manufacture of cosmetics.

What arugula is and what it looks like

An annual and biennial plant of the Cruciferous family, it grows in Mediterranean countries and other southern regions. Rocket is especially widespread in Italy. The spice resembles lettuce leaves in appearance. The shape and color of the leaves depend on the variety. The leaves can be round with smooth edges or elongated with a wavy border. Plants reach a height of about 30-60 cm. Inflorescences on the herb are few and can be different shades: white, purple, yellow.

The spice has a specific taste that not everyone will like. The taste is characterized by the presence of a flavor of bitterness. Bitterness is concentrated in the young stems of the spice, so collect the herb already quite mature. The taste of arugula has a resemblance to a nut mixed with mustard.

The herb is added to various salads, sauces, soups, vegetable stews, it decorates sandwiches and snacks. In our country, the spice began to gain popularity due to the popularization of Italian cuisine, where arugula is quite often used.

Composition and calories

Spicy herb has a fairly low caloric value. There are only 25-26 kcal per 100 grams of the product. The composition of arugula is rich in vitamins and trace elements:

• all B vitamins;
• vitamins C, E, A, K, PP;
• beta-carotene;
• choline;
• Protein - 2.6 grams;
• carbohydrates - 2 grams;
• magnesium, iron, potassium, selenium, zinc, manganese.

In addition, the composition of the spice has a sufficient amount of fiber, water and ash substances.

How is arugula useful?

General benefits

In programs for weight loss, arugula is given a place of honor. This is one of the plants that has a beneficial effect on the normalization of metabolism in the body. Sufficient amounts of iodine and ascorbic acid help to solve problems with the content of hemoglobin in the blood, remove harmful cholesterol. Regular use of the medicinal herb increases the vitality of the body.

Ruccola helps to improve digestion, helps to prevent the formation of malignant tumors. The greens have expectorant, disinfectant and diuretic effects. With the help of a useful spice, you can get rid of many serious ailments.

Back in ancient Rome, this salad was considered a natural aphrodisiac, increased libido, normalized the work of the genitourinary system. Lettuce leaves should be eaten by couples who want to conceive a child. Scientists have already proved the property of ruccola to normalize the reproductive system of both sexes.

In ancient times, using arugula was used to get rid of freckles and calluses. With the help of the spice it was possible to cure some skin diseases, as well as the medicinal properties of the product contributed to the rapid healing of wounds.

If you use the herb every day in dishes, you can fill the daily need of the body in vitamins and trace elements. Flavonoids help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, making them elastic. Ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system, enhances protective functions, makes it possible to resist various colds. Regular use of arugula has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.

For women

The daily use of the salad will allow women to stay young and beautiful for a long time. The condition of hair, nails and skin improves. The skin becomes smooth and elastic. Arugula leaves have beneficial qualities, so they gently cleanse the body of harmful substances and toxins. A woman's body receives all the necessary vitamins. Regular use of the salad helps to get rid of extra pounds due to the low caloric content and properties of the product. This does not affect the performance of the fairer sex. The use of spicy herb is an excellent prevention of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.

The ingredients in the salad can help get rid of warts, papillomas and pigmentation. Women are advised to use arugula for cosmetic purposes. From it you can make various masks for the face, hair and body.

For men

For the body of the representatives of the strong half of mankind, arugula will become a real helper in alopecia. Here, the medicinal herb should be used not only as a food additive, but also used in the preparation of masks. Such masks will help to get rid of premature baldness and dandruff. The spice is excellent for men with problems in the sexual sphere. Regular use of the useful spice will help to normalize the urinary system and get rid of impotence.

When pregnant

Women who are expecting a new addition to the family, it is very important to eat right, replenish the body's need for vitamins and elements. This is important for the normal development of the fetus. The benefits of arugula for pregnant women are due to its rich and unique composition:

1. Vitamin A is responsible for the normal activity of the reproductive system, when all the organs develop properly throughout the whole period of carrying a fetus.
2. Folic acid has a beneficial effect on the nervous system of the mother and the unborn child.
3. Women improve metabolism, increase protective functions of the body, and clear the blood vessels.
4. With the regular use of healthy greens you can get rid of edema, from which most pregnant women suffer.

Of course, during pregnancy you should not get too carried away with the useful spice. This can cause an increase in uterine tone, which is already a threat of miscarriage.

When breastfeeding

Greens are useful for breastfeeding mothers because they increase the amount of breast milk. Include arugula in the diet can be 3-4 months after childbirth. The vegetable product is rich in fiber, and this is too coarse food for the immature digestive system of the baby. Nursing mothers should gradually introduce a new product in the menu. If the baby treats well to new items in the diet, did not start an allergy, the grass can be used daily, but no more than 50 grams per day.

For children

Green fresh arugula leaves are among the safest products for children's diets. Children can be given green lettuce leaves from about 1.5-2 years old. But you should not hurry, since the plant can provoke gas and bloating. In addition, you need to watch the amount of product. Leaves in children's menus are added to salads, as well as to pies.

Rucola has a favorable effect on children's bodies. Regular use increases appetite, normalizes the water-salt balance in the body. For children with diabetes, arugula will be an indispensable aid in reducing blood glucose levels.

Oil of arugula: useful properties and applications

Useful and healing product is produced from the leaves of fresh spice by cold pressing. In ancient times, the oil was used by herbalists for rapid healing of wounds, with its help it was possible to cure severe bruises and sprains. In addition, lettuce oil, thanks to its analgesic properties, helps get rid of headaches. Today, the oil is used as an important ingredient in cosmetics, is a medicinal product, and is also widely used in cooking.

Due to its rich and therapeutic composition, the oil helps to improve digestive function, favorably influencing the normal functioning of the stomach. Arugula oil is one of the best remedies with expectorant and diuretic effects. With its help, you can strengthen the immune system, lower blood sugar levels and normalize the water-salt metabolism. The oil is very useful for strengthening hair follicles, so it is often used in cosmetic products. For men suffering from sexual impotence, the product will help to solve this problem.

Is arugula useful for weight loss

People suffering from obesity and increased weight should carefully monitor their diet. It is necessary not only to eat right, but also to engage in physical activity. Only with a balanced diet can positive results be achieved. Rucola refers to a low-calorie product, which is able to solve important issues in weight loss. Regular use of this useful herb normalizes the metabolism, removes harmful toxins and excess fluid from the body. This helps to quickly get rid of extra pounds.

Losing weight with arugula will be most effective if the spice is included in dishes such as salads, appetizers, cocktails. The greens go well with meat dishes, helping the stomach to quickly digest food and avoid the appearance of heaviness. During various diets the body loses a lot of useful vitamins and elements, and with the help of useful greens you can make up for this deficit. In addition, the regular use of arugula helps to reduce appetite. Including only healthy products in your diet will give you the opportunity to get rid of the hated pounds. It is also important that the menu contains a variety of products.

Arugula in medicine

The medicinal properties of the plant have been known since antiquity. The plant itself, as well as remedies based on it are used for the prevention and treatment of many ailments.

For diabetes

Useful arugula is recommended for people suffering from diabetes, in unlimited quantities. The systematic use of medicinal greens reduces blood glucose levels and increases the sensitivity to insulin. If you eat arugula to a healthy person, it will be a good preventive way to avoid the development of the disease in the future.

Important: The glycemic index of arugula is 15 units.

Pancreatitis

With such a serious disease, you should use the spice in limited quantities. During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to choose neutral foods. A small amount of greens will have a positive effect on the weakened body. The product contains nickel and cobalt, which have a positive effect on the pancreas.

For gastritis.

Greens help to get rid of many stomach problems. In America, experts have even invented an interesting way to treat stomach diseases with the help of arugula. Salad leaves not only protect the walls of the stomach from negative effects, but also strengthen them. The composition of the plant contains acids, so it is better to limit the use of the product in case of gastritis with high acidity.

With gout.

Arugula leaves are indicated for use in some serious diseases. Among these pathologies includes gout. The plant significantly improves all metabolic processes in the body, as well as water-salt metabolism, which does not allow the accumulation of salt in the joints. Healing herb will help get rid of swelling, reduce pain in the joints. Regular use of the useful plant will only have a beneficial effect on the patient's body.

For the liver

Everyone who leads a healthy lifestyle prefers to include in the diet products that have a positive effect on all processes in the body. Some experts note that in serious liver diseases, the use of arugula can cause harm, so they do not advise to eat this useful spice in cirrhosis, hepatitis - with such ailments you need a consultation with a hepatologist.

Ruccola in cosmetology

Delicious mustard herb is used not only in cooking, but also used for cosmetic purposes. It is often used to prepare masks for the face, hair, neck. The lettuce leaves contain many substances that have a toning, moisturizing and rejuvenating effect on the skin. With the help of arugula masks you can get rid of skin irritation, acne, dandruff and boils.

For the face

With the help of a face mask based on arugula can effectively fight acne. With its bactericidal properties, the plant helps to eliminate the focus of the disease, and along with this goes and acne. If the skin on the face appears peeling, irritation, a good helper can also be a mask with lettuce leaves. The green spice nourishes the skin of the face, softens and removes irritation. Another useful characteristic of arugula is its whitening effect. With regular use of masks based on it, you can get rid of freckles and age spots.

Rejuvenating mask
Need: 4 tbsp. chopped arugula, 1 tbsp. cosmetic almond or regular olive oil.

Mix the two ingredients, knead thoroughly. Keep the mask on the face for about 10-15 minutes.

Moisturizing mask
Need: 2 tbsp. Shredded arugula, 2 tbsp. fatty cottage cheese, 2 tbsp. homemade sour cream.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and grind with a spoon. Leave the mixture on your face for 10-15 minutes and rinse off.

For hair

The benefits of greens are obvious for the scalp and hair. Arugula oil will be an excellent cosmetic and therapeutic agent. This excellent remedy for hair loss helps men with premature baldness. With regular use of the oil is strengthening the weakened hair follicles, improves blood circulation to the scalp. There is also a beneficial effect on the eyelashes and eyebrows. It is especially recommended to use the oil for dry and brittle hair.

Arugula oil can be mixed with burdock, chamomile, coconut oil in equal proportions and applied to the hair. Hold the oil compositions on the head for at least 1 hour. You can also do such masks at night.

Harms and contraindications

Like any healthy healing plant, arugula has contraindications to use. In some cases, the greens can cause harm to the body. You should limit the intake of lettuce to pregnant women, because arugula in large quantities can cause muscle spasm.

1. Fresh greens of the plant have a bitter taste, which is not good for people suffering from ulcer or gastritis.
2. The presence of phytoncides in the product can lead to allergic reactions.
3. It is not recommended to use arugula for people suffering from kidney and liver diseases. In the presence of any chronic disease before including the salad in the menu, it is necessary to consult with a specialist.

Also, individual intolerance to the herb may appear, so the first use should start with a small amount.

How to choose and store arugula

This amazing plant with a nutty-mustard taste is grown in large quantities in the Mediterranean countries, Africa and Asia. In our country this useful spice is grown mainly in the Caucasus. If you want to buy healthy arugula, you should pay attention to its appearance.

1. You should choose plants with young leaves, the height should be within 20-30 cm.
2. The color of the leaves should be bright green.
3. If there are yellow streaks on the leaves, it is better to refuse to buy - the product is stale.

Fresh arugula should be stored in the refrigerator. It is better to wrap the greens in cling film or polyethylene. In this form, the greens can be safely stored for 3 days. You can also put the salad in a bowl with water, and cover it with a lid. This way the product will retain all its freshness and flavor. If you need to keep the greens for up to 7-10 days, you can use vacuum containers.

Can I freeze
To preserve a healthy salad for a long time, you can use methods such as freezing or drying. In the freezer, if you follow all the rules of preparation and storage greens can be stored for up to 1 year.

Rucola can be finely chopped and placed in a suitable container or stacked whole. Put the container in the freezer. You can also make ice cubes of arugula greens. Place chopped greens in molds and pour water over them. Subsequently, you can take out the cubes portion by portion when cooking.

Arugula salad recipes

In cooking, there are many recipes for salads with arugula, each of which is unique and extraordinarily useful.

Arugula salad with chicken breast

To prepare a simple salad, you will need this set of products:

• chicken breast - 250 grams;
• ruccola leaves - 100 grams;
• honey - 2 tsp;
• onions - 1 pc;
• mandarins - 3 pcs;
• olive oil - 2 tbsp;
• vegetable oil - 2 tbsp;
• mustard - 2 tbsp;
• lemon juice - 2 tbsp;
• Any spices - to taste.

On a plate or in a salad bowl put the leaves of the plant. On top add peeled and chopped tangerines. Cut the chicken breast into pieces, roll in spices and fry in vegetable oil. As soon as the breast cools, put it on top of the tangerines. Garnish the top with chopped onions. Prepare the dressing by mixing mustard, olive oil, honey and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the salad. Enjoy the salad!

Salad with tuna and ruccola

Components:

• arugula - 100 grams;
• egg - 2 pcs;
• Tin of canned tuna;
• tomatoes - 3 pcs;
• avocado - 1 pc;
• Olive oil - 2 tbsp;
• Wine vinegar - 1 tbsp.

First boil the eggs, cut them into 4 pieces. Place arugula leaves on a dish, top with sliced tomatoes, then the eggs. Peel and slice the avocado, place the slices as a decoration on the edge of the plate. Then mash the tuna with a fork right in the jar, put it on a plate with the rest of the products. On top, pour a mixture of vinegar and olive oil over everything.

Can we give arugula to pets?

Pets rarely prefer to eat plant-based foods. But there are still herb lovers who like to eat salad leaves. For example, rabbits are very fond of fresh arugula leaves. However, you should not overfeed them with it. Rabbits have a weak digestive system, so you need to respect the dosage.

Dogs and cats can try to add greens at the end of cooking - after the end of cooking meat soups, porridges.

How to grow arugula at home

Useful and healing plant can be grown both in the vegetable garden, and on the windowsill at home. The unpretentious spice is grown from seed. Sowing should be done in March. Before the process, it is necessary to prepare the soil. If possible, it is better to buy ready-made soil, which contains all the necessary substances.

For sowing seeds, it is better to choose a separate container. Disposable cups are perfect for this purpose. Sow the seeds in moistened soil, then cover with foil for faster emergence of sprouts. Once the leaves appear, remove the cover. Rucola as it grows, it is desirable to periodically feed additives and water.

Both seeds and grown seedlings can be planted in the open ground. With proper and regular care, healthy and useful leaves will grow. They should be harvested before the flowering period. Greens grow well, so you will be satisfied with the resulting harvest.

Interesting facts about arugula

Amazing useful plant has some features unique to it. In order for lettuce leaves to do only good for the body, you need to know the facts about this spice:

1. When cooking, arugula leaves should not be cut with a knife, as the blade oxidizes. They should be torn with your hands.
2. The leaves of arugula should be picked before the flowers appear. Since after flowering they will become bitter and tough.
3. Ruccola belongs to the cabbage genus. Therefore, cabbage, radish, horseradish and mustard are close relatives of the medicinal plant.
4. The Romans and Greeks valued this plant for its beneficial qualities and medicinal effect. It was considered one of the most powerful means to enhance libido. In Egypt there was a custom at a wedding, before the wedding night the groom was given a drink with arugula.
5. In France in the 18th century, this plant was used to restore the thwarted voice. A little later the people of Italy began to idolize this spice, adding it to many dishes.
6. Nowadays, arugula is grown all over the world. The unpretentious plant feels great on windowsills, in greenhouses and in the open ground.

The spicy plant has unique useful and healing properties. If you include lettuce in your daily menu, you can not only get rid of many diseases, but also prevent the development of serious illnesses. The widespread use of arugula in cooking, medicine and cosmetology makes this amazing product in demand and popular.

Photo of arugula