Arugula Vs Spinach: Which One Should You Choose?

Arugula and spinach are two vegetables found in most grocery stores. They both contain numerous health benefits and can easily be incorporated into your diet. So which one is better? It depends on a few things.

Let's first look at arugula. This leafy green has a distinct peppery flavor and skinny, scalloped leaves. According to Healthline, arugula has shown to have a high amount of cancer-fighting agents. It also contains a long list of nutrients including calcium, potassium, and folate. You'll also find many vitamins including vitamins C, K, and A. Arugula is very nutrient-dense, meaning it means has a high number of nutrients for a low amount of calories. It's also low in sugar, carbohydrates, and fat.

Arugula is popular in salads because it adds a peppery punch of flavor to each bite. It can also be cooked on a pizza, piled on a sandwich, or added to a sauce for additional flavor and nutrients. When arugula is cooked, its bitey flavor is mellowed out and may be easier for some people to handle if they aren't fond of the raw version.

Definitely the more popular of the two, spinach also boasts many health benefits. This leafy green has a milder flavor than arugula. According to Medical News Today, this vegetable has also been found to lower the risk of cancer as well as provide glucose control in people who are diabetic, and improve bone health. Like arugula, spinach contains calcium, potassium, and folate, as well as vitamins C, K, and A. Additionally, spinach is a great source of iron and magnesium.

This vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a milder flavor when eaten raw and can easily be blended into a smoothie to help picky eaters get their veggies in. Spinach contains a lot of water and loses much of its volume when cooked, so be prepared to use a large amount when adding it to sauces or stir-fries.

So which is better? Arugula and spinach are both nutrient-dense vegetables that contain many vitamins and minerals. They should both be incorporated into your diet when possible. Arugula will be a better option for people who enjoy its flavor while spinach will be the better choice for kids or anyone who doesn't like arugula's peppery flavor.