Scientific Name: Eruca vesicaria
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Arugula (Eruca versicaria), also known as rocket or roquette, is a vegetable characterized by its green leaves. Sometimes, Eruca sativa is used as a botanic name, but many researchers consider this name to be a synonym of Eruca versicaria. Arugula has a slightly spicy flavor that is an acquired taste. It is a popular ingredient in Italian, Moroccan, and Portuguese cuisines.
Arugula has high amounts of vitamin K/phylloquinone (136% daily value [DV]) which is beneficial for bone health and normal blood clotting, i.e., it helps wounds heal faster. Arugula is also rich in vitamin C (25% DV) which aids the immune system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. It also makes collagen which is important for skin health.
Arugula has generous amounts of vitamin A (47% DV) which supports healthy vision and the immune system. Vitamin A also plays a role in the reproductive system. The folate (24% DV) in arugula is necessary for amino acid metabolism and preventing neural tube defects. Folate is also very advantageous during pregnancy. Arugula also contains calcium (16% DV) which supports bone health and muscle/nerve function.