Table of contents:
- The nutritional content of the arugula plant
- The benefits of the arugula plant for skin health
- 1. Prevent and treat inflammation of the skin
- 2. Prevent premature aging
Maybe you feel strange when you hear the name arugula plant. It's not as popular as spinach, kale, and mustard greens, but arugula plants are actually widely used in various dishes, you know. You can easily find it in western foods, such as salads or toppings pizza. According to studies, arugula contains many nutrients that are good for health, one of which is your skin. So, what are the benefits of the arugula plant for the skin? Come on, find the answer below.
The nutritional content of the arugula plant
The arugula plant has a Latin name Eruca sativa which has many names. Starting from rucola, ruguli, rucoli, Italian lettuce, to rocket salad. Based on the type, arugula is included in the cruciferous vegetable family which is touted as cancer-fighting vegetables, such as cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli.
When you look at it, this green plant looks like kale or spinach, but with pinnate leaves. This plant thrives in humus-rich soils with a pH between 6 and 6.8. They will usually do well when planted together with peas and lettuce. Apart from edible leaves, arugula is also used for its flowers and seeds to be extracted or used as essential oil.
In 100 grams of raw and fresh arugula, it contains various nutrients, such as:
- Calories: 25 calories
- Fat: 1 gram
- Sodium: 27 milligrams
- Carbs: 4 grams
- Protein: 2.6 grams
Also equipped with folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A.
The benefits of the arugula plant for skin health
Especially for skin health, the aragula plant has several benefits, such as:
1. Prevent and treat inflammation of the skin
The benefits of the arugula plant are quite abundant, ranging from preventing cancer, healthy food for diabetes, and are considered effective in treating skin disorders. According to a 2009 study, arugula seed extract is known to contain organosulfur compounds that are anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory.
The compounds in arugula which are anti-inflammatory can both prevent and treat eczema. Eczema is an inflammation that causes skin to itch, red, crack and feel rough to the touch. This problematic skin can occur anywhere, generally around the hands, neck, folds of the elbows and knees, and the face. If scratched, the skin can be injured and there is a risk of infection.
In addition, the content of methylthiobutylisothiocyanate can also suppress the growth of keratinocytes (substances that make up hair, skin, and nails) so that it can treat psoriasis.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to reproduce very quickly, accumulate and form silvery patches. That is the potency of the arugula plant so that it is quite popularly used in the treatment of traditional skin problems in the Middle East.
2. Prevent premature aging
Apart from being rich in vitamins, arugula plants also contain many antioxidants, such as carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin. The combination of vitamins and antioxidants can slow down aging by preventing the formation of wrinkles and dark spots.
The antioxidants from arugula can ward off free radicals from pollution or sun exposure. Then, vitamin A and vitamin C can stimulate the formation of collagen which keeps it healthy and supple. In addition, collagen is also very important in the wound healing process. That means, wounds on the skin will heal faster.
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