Rocketing to New Frontiers: The Effects of Arugula Consumption on Cardiovascular Health – A Call for Action

Abstract

This call for action addresses the current need for research on a widely consumed leafy green crop from the Eruca Vesicaria plant (known as arugula, rucola, roquette, or rocket) and its effects on vascular health. There is a lack of existing literature documenting arugula’s general health benefits and its potential to improve endothelial dysfunction, specifically due to the high nitrate content the plant carries. It is well understood that nitrates play an important role in endothelial function and since arugula contains large quantities, it could be a new avenue for researchers to explore in the area of cardiometabolic disease. Thus, this call for action will shine light on the potential therapeutic effects of this often neglected plant.