Health Benefits of Argula and a great fertility herb food

    I've always heard about argula and how it is so good for you. I really have no excuse why I disliked it in the past so I guess this is argula season. I picked up some from Trader Joe's and I have been addicted to it ever since. Arugula is rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, and various B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, and pantothenic acid. The leaves contain plenty of minerals, especially copper and iron. It also has trace amounts of some other essential minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.

    Arugula is  known by other names such as salad rocket, garden rocket, roquette, rucola, rugula or colewort.  The scientific name of arugula is Eruca sativa.
   Argula is said to have cancer power properties like broccoli and cauliflower. It is high in fibre and antioxidants studies show may reduce the risk of developing lung, prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer.
   Argula is rich in chlorophyll, so to get the most chlorophyll in arugula, it is best to eat it raw. The large amounts of chlorophyll, also known as “liquid sunshine” helps cleanses the blood, detoxifies cells, heals disease in the body and boosts oxygen. It contains indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates which have been shown to suppress the production inflammation in the body.
    Arugula is high in most B vitamins but contains especially high amounts of folate. Awesome for those early pregnancy months and good for those trying to conceive. Fresh arugula is an excellent source of folate and when consumed by a woman during the time of conception and throughout pregnancy, may help prevent neural tube defects in the newborn child. Please Note:
Arugula is relatively lower in oxalate content than that in spinach, purslane, mustard greens, celery, etc. The greens can be safely used during pregnancy and lactation. As always consult your physician*

   Studies show those who eat arugula on a regular basis are found to have more sexual drive and energy. Arugula also contains high levels of iron and copper, making it a strong substitute or addition to spinach in your diet.

CHICKEN SOUVLAKI AND GREEK SALAD

A salad and a protein for lunch or dinner is not just healthy but filling as well. I love greek food especially feta cheese, olive oil and guess what? greek foods are healthy and great for you.



SPICE RUB FOR CHICKEN
ingredients:

• 4 bamboo skewers (soak them in water for 30 minutes)
• 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 TB oregano
• 1 TB thyme
• 1 clove of garlic, grated
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ground sea salt and black pepper

directions:
1. combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme and garlic in a small bowl.
2. add chicken to bowl. stir it around so the sauce covers the chicken. cover the bowl and throw it in the fridge. let it marinate for as long as you can handle. this is a great time to soak your skewers!
3. remove chicken from fridge and thread chicken onto skewers
4. dust with paprika, salt & pepper
5. grill chicken skewers on outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. make sure to turn them periodically, it will take about 2-3 minutes per side. (cooking all four sides)
6. remove from grill and set aside.

GREEK DRESSING



You can buy good quality store bought or use the one below:
ingredients:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 TB extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Greek Seasoning - Cavender - available on amazon
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• sea salt & black pepper, to taste

directions:
1. mix all ingredients in a blender (or use an immersion blender). alternately, you could mix it well with a fork.
2. Set aside

SALAD
ingredients:

• 1 bag (about 4 cups) fresh express 5 lettuce mix
• 15-20 kalamata olives
• 2 small vine ripe tomatoes, cut into quarters
• 1/4 of a small red onion, sliced thin
• 1/2 of a cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

directions:
1. get two plates or large bowls. divide salad mix among bo2. divide both dishes.
2. divide olives, tomatoes, red onion and cucumber among both salads.
3. sprinkle each salad with 1/4 cup feta.
4. place two chicken souvlaki skewers atop each salad.


Enjoy!