Scientific Name: Eruca vesicaria
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
In brief arugula has:
vitamin C (15.00 mg | 17% DV)
folate (97.00 mcg | 24% DV)
vitamin K (108.60 mcg | 91% DV)
calcium (160.00 mg | 12% DV)
magnesium (47.00 mg | 11% DV)
manganese (0.32 mg | 14% DV)
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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. In America, it is often added to salads.
Arugula has high amounts of vitamin K/phylloquinone (91% 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 (17% 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. Vitamin A (13% DV) is present in arugula as well. This vitamin is crucial for eye health.
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 (12% DV) which supports bone health and muscle/nerve function. This vegetable has magnesium and manganese at amounts of 11% DV and 14% DV, respectively. Magnesium has been found to play a role in muscle and nerve function, while manganese is thought to be an antioxidant.