It has long been known that greens can cleanse the human body, increase immunity and eliminate the functioning of carcinogens. In addition, the regular use of greenery heals the body and rejuvenates it. More recently, arugula appeared on the tables, which was previously considered to be just a harmless weed. Modern gourmets say: the taste of arugula is a combination of spice, a delicious aroma and healing properties. We offer to talk about the benefits of the plant, its harm. As a nice bonus - a few recipes with arugula!
Description
Another name for this plant is the seed caterpillar. It belongs to the cruciferous family, and therefore (like other representatives of this family) contains a huge amount of vitamins. Arugula is a salad with a pronounced spicy taste. It is worth noting that all the components of this plant have found application: oil is made from seeds, flowers and leaves are used in cooking.
The specific taste brought arugula popularity in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. It is impossible to imagine risotto, fragrant pastas or salads without it.
Structure
What is included in the arugula? Vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins of group B, beta-carotene, vitamins E and C. Arugula contains a daily intake of vitamin K. It is rich in substances such as sodium, selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese. The caloric content of the product deserves special attention - it is only 25 kcal!
Beneficial features
We offer to talk about the benefits and dangers of arugula. We start, of course, with healing properties. Vitamin K contained in arugula is indispensable for wound healing - the fact is that it increases blood coagulation. In addition, this product increases the level of hemoglobin, normalizes metabolism. Arugula reduces the amount of sugar in the blood, strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Specialists in dietetic nutrition claim that it is arugula that can tone the body and remove unnecessary cholesterol.
Among the beneficial properties of arugula are diuretic, expectorant and disinfectant. You can find information that this plant can be used as an oncology prevention. And it can cure colds. The benefits of arugula are that it helps to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It also regulates water-salt metabolism. People with venous disease and high blood pressure should also pay attention to this product.
Nutritionists also talk about the benefits of arugula. They advise their customers to use the seed caterpillar, as it is low-calorie, contains a large number of substances that help the body not to lose its working capacity and energy. In addition, this plant contains fiber, due to which a person quickly feels full. The presence of folic acid is very beneficial for women in an interesting position.
Arugula is indispensable for those who suffer from diseases such as gastritis or stomach ulcers. By the way, American gastroenterologists managed to use spicy herbs for the treatment of peptic ulcers: the new method not only protects the walls of the stomach, but also strengthens them. Speaking about the benefits of arugula, it is worth saying that it is simply indispensable for problems with potency: it is enough to use three teaspoons of this plant oil daily. Useful mustard oil from arugula and hair. It strengthens them, positively affects their structure and prevents loss. It is worth saying about the benefits of arugula for nails and skin. No wonder the caterpillar is called a plant of beauty!
Contraindications
Experts note: arugula has no contraindications. But you should not think that you can use this plant for absolutely everyone. For example, people with allergies or individual intolerances should not eat a plant. It is worthwhile to treat this product with those who suffer from urolithiasis.
How to choose
The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing arugula (which you already know about the benefits and dangers) is the freshness of the leaves. Greens should not be sluggish, its color should be green. Please note: the taste of this plant depends on the size of the leaf: the smaller it is, the more bitterness in it.
How to store
To keep the arugula for a whole week, you must properly store it. We recommend not just putting greens in the refrigerator, but putting them in a container of water. If you need a longer period, you can thoroughly rinse and dry the arugula, and then just freeze it. In addition, you can grow greens on your own windowsill: the plant is unpretentious, caring for it will not be difficult.
The use of arugula in cooking
Experienced chefs say that this greens of the cruciferous family can be a side dish, and can also become an independent dish. Not bad this plant is combined with seafood, fish, meat and legumes. It is simply indispensable for sauces and pizza, risotto and cold appetizers. So what to cook with arugula? We have collected the most interesting recipes for you!
Arugula and Beetroot Salad
This salad is perfect for those who want to lose weight, but do not want to deny themselves delicious food. He will need the following ingredients:
- three small beets;
- 100 grams of cottage cheese - best homemade;
- bunch of arugula;
- one red onion;
- one tablespoon of lemon juice and olive oil (they eliminate the bitterness of arugula);
- on a teaspoon of soy sauce and mustard seeds;
- 2 slices of loaf;
- salt and black pepper to taste.
The first thing to do is prepare the beets: they must be wrapped in two layers of foil and baked in the oven for one hour. Ready beets must be peeled and cut into slices. Arugula should be thoroughly washed (it should be done only in cold water!). Cut the onion, mix it with lemon juice, mustard, soy sauce, oil, pepper and salt. Half of this sauce must be seasoned with beets, then put the beets on a plate, put the arugula on top (you don’t need to cut it, it’s best just to tear it with your hands), pour the salad with the remaining sauce. Before serving, you need to add the cottage cheese and small dried pieces of the loaf.
Simple sandwich
Hungry? No time for long cooking delicious food? There is an exit! We offer you to cook a simple (but very tasty!) Sandwich. For him we need:
- baguette;
- mozzarella (you can replace it with feta cheese and feta cheese) - 200 grams;
- a small bunch of arugula;
- cherry tomatoes - one branch is enough;
- butter;
- salt.
First you need to rinse the greens and cherry. Baguette should be cut lengthwise, thinly grease the halves with butter. Mozzarella and tomatoes should be cut into small circles, put on the bottom of the baguette, a little salt. Then you need to cover the sandwich with the second half of the baguette, press gently.
Arugula, Salmon, Cucumber and Avocado
The preparation of this salad will take quite a bit of time, and the ingredients for it need a little:
- avocado - 1 pc.;
- slightly salted salmon - 100 grams;
- fresh cucumber - 1 pc.;
- bunch of arugula;
- olive oil and lemon juice for dressing.
Avocados must be cut in half, the bone should be removed, the flesh must be cut into small pieces. Remove the peel from the cucumber, cut the vegetable into strips. Fish is best cut into thin slices. The ingredients must be mixed and add a little salt. Then you should add the leaves of arugula. Salad must be sprinkled with olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
Pork with arugula and tomatoes
This dish is perfect for an ordinary family dinner or for a festive table! To prepare it, you need to take the following products:
- pork - 400 grams;
- cherry tomatoes - 6 pcs.;
- bunch of arugula;
- garlic - 2 cloves;
- rosemary - a twig;
- onion - 1 pc.;
- white wine - 130 ml;
- vegetable oil
- Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, parmesan - to taste.
In a preheated pan, pour oil, put rosemary and garlic in it, fry them and remove. Pork, cut into small pieces, should be put in a pan, fry the meat until golden brown, of course, on both sides. Spices, diced onions, and cherry tomatoes, cut in half, should be added to the pork. After 10 minutes, wine and mustard should be added to the meat. All should be thoroughly mixed and simmer until tender, closing the lid with a frying pan. Ready pork should be laid on a plate, top with arugula and grated cheese. Bon Appetit!