Can Birds Eat Arugula?
Arugula also known as rocket is a type of cruciferous vegetable that is both nutritious and medicinal. It is sometimes used raw in salad dishes. It is in the same league/family as cabbage, broccoli, and the likes, tender in texture and has a spicy flavor with loads of nitrate and polyphenol. It is a known fact that nitrate helps to lower blood pressure and reduces the amount of oxygen needed to do normal daily activities.
In this write up we will be analyzing the nutritional value of Arugula, the potential risks that it could pose to a bird upon consumption. We would also be evaluating the nutritional benefits of the Arugula leaves to birds and how to prepare same.
Health Benefits of Arugula
Research has specifically linked arugula and other cruciferous vegetables with the following health benefits:
It reduces cancer risk
While an overall healthy, vegetable diet reduces cancer risk, studies have shown that certain groups of vegetables can have specific anticancer benefits.
Cruciferous vegetables contain glycosylates, in fact it’s the Glycosylates may be accountable for its bitter taste and it power to find cancer.
The sulforaphane can inhibit the production of an enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), which slows the progression of cancer cells.
It improves bone and blood health
Arugula is high in calcium, potassium and vitamin k which are essential components for a healthy bone set. For a bird that is continuously active, mobile or even airborne, a good set of bones would be in right order. Deficiency will result in weak bones and fractures. One can only wonder the number of fractures the bird is going get with all that hopping around, flying and perching. It also helps with blood coagulation to ease the danger that may occur from the physical injuries, which these birds may encounter during their very physically eventful lives. Eventful. This will also help with nerve and muscle coordination formed so yes, the arugula is definitely a good addition to their food.
Regulation of blood sugar
The Arugula is a good source of fiber which ultimately regulates blood sugar. Several review studies have found that eating vegetables reduces a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Arugula has antidiabetic effects on skeletal muscle cells by stimulating glucose acceptance in the cells. It also prevents insulin resistance.
Since Arugula is reach in fiber t means that birds will feel fuller for a longer period of time thereby ensuring a healthy weight and preventing restlessness that comes with overeating.
Improves Heart health
Arugula is high in polyphenols and organosulfur. its intake protects the heart from cardiovascular diseases. For a bird that needs a good supply of energy to replenish that which has been expended on its energy consuming daily routine, the arugula will be a great and profitable addition to their food since has protective effects on the heart. It also contains iron which helps blood circulation throughout the body.
Digestive efficiency
Arugula contains Magnesium which is vital for the health of a bird’s digestive, nervous, and reproductive system.
Improved immunity
Arugula is rich in Vitamin C, which helps in boosting the immune system of the birds, improve their weight and health.
Nutrition
Arugula contains:
- Protein
- Fat.
- Vitamin A, C, B6, K
- Sugar
- Fiber
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium.
- Sodium
- Zinc
- Copper
Risks Associated with Arugula
First of all, Arugulas containing Vitamin K already means that it helps with blood coagulation, so if you giving your bird any blood thinner, then it is the best time to avoid giving that same bird the arugula.
Secondly if when its juiced and not properly stored, bacteria will attack it and end up turning the nitrate within the vegetable into nitrite, a compound which is harmful to birds.
Also, since the vegetable is rich in nitrate it might have an adverse interaction with some drugs that you may be administering to your bird so you might have to watch out for that or check up with your Avian.
How To Prepare Arugula
Birds can comfortably feed on arugula raw or cooked, it doesn’t matter, but this fact remains, that once the arugula is cooked, then you would have done away with most of the nutrients and I am sure you don’t want that, but should you still desire to have it cooked after this vital information then ensure that no bitterness is left in the vegetable before you present it to your bird.
- So to prepare Arugula, first pluck the vegetable from the stem and have it thoroughly washed.
- Arugula can be used raw by adding it to other veggies in the form of a salad dish.
- My advice is that you do not to add pepper or carefully do, as arugula already comes with a natural peppery flavor.
- Do not add salt or garlic or you be endangering your bird’s life, as both garlic and salt are harmful to birds. In fact, to be on a safe side don’t have it flavored.
- Also do no serve wilted or sautéed arugula to them, because of the amount of artificial ingredients that are used to make it. Keep it natural and your bird will thank you for it.
How to add I introduce Arugula to the diet of the bird
Your bird may not like arugula on the first go, so the trick is to start small, in little-by-little potions until your bird gets used to seeing the vegetable in its meal. At this stage you begin to monitor your bird’s reaction because most birds have very sensitive entrails. If your bird body doesn’t accept the treat, you would know easily and desist from further administering it .
Now your feathered friend may find it hard to accept the new food but don’t be discouraged, consistency is the key, after a while it becomes easier.
Can You Feed Cockatiels Too Much Arugula?
Yes, of cause, too much of everything is bad, and same goes for a this vegetable, too much arugula would cause indigestion and an upset stomach because the veggies contain nitrate. Moderation is the key and remains so, if you want a healthy and well-fed bird in your keep.
Summary
Arugula is not only okay, but a healthy option for your bird so long as you are closely monitoring your bird’s reaction to the treat. It is a very nutritious addition and must not be removed from the menu because your bird does not like the taste or reject it outright. With perseverance your bird will likely come to love the veggie and ultimately gain all the amazing nutrients that it contains. Though it will not be wise to use the arugula as the primary meal for your bird ,mixing it with other vegetable and nuts will be in the right way to proceed.
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