Arugula, or rocket as it is called in Britain, was a popular aphrodisiac among the ancient Romans. This mildly peppery green was quite often associated with Priapus, a minor Roman god of fertility.

Today many proponents of arugula downplay the natural aphrodisiac properties, promoting the lettuce instead as an aid for digestion. But you might be surprised to discover that this peppery green has some fantastic benefits, including benefits for sexual health.

Why arugula is good for you

Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green and a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, alongside broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts. It is naturally low in calories yet packed with nutrition, providing vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, potassium and magnesium. It also contains plant compounds called glucosinolates and polyphenols that have been studied for their antioxidant and other potential health effects.

Arugula is particularly interesting because it contains dietary nitrates. The body can convert nitrates into nitric oxide, a compound involved in blood vessel relaxation and healthy circulation. Good circulation matters for cardiovascular health and also plays an important role in sexual function.

That combination of nutrients and plant compounds makes arugula more interesting than its role as a peppery salad green might suggest.

Arugula benefits for sex

As we established, arugula is rich in vitamins A and C. Both vitamins have roles in supporting reproductive and hormone health. Rocket is also a source of two nutrients linked with linked with blood flow: zinc and magnesium. Healthy blood flow is important for sexual arousal and climax. While there’s no study directly linking arugula with sexual function, consuming sufficient dietary zinc and magnesium can help support this system.

Arugula has attracted some scientific interest for its potential effects on male reproductive health. In a 2013 study, researchers gave male mice an aqueous extract made from arugula leaves. After five weeks, the mice receiving the extract had significantly higher testosterone levels as well as improvements in sperm activity and sperm abnormalities compared with untreated mice.

That is an interesting finding, but it is important to put it in context. This was an animal study using a concentrated leaf extract, so it does not show that eating arugula raises testosterone in men. More research would be needed to determine whether the same effect occurs in humans.

Lastly, anyone trying to become pregnant may be interested in learning that this nutritious green is a source of folate. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, and adequate folate/folic acid is particularly important around conception and early pregnancy because it reduces the risk of neural tube defects. This is not to say that arugula is specifically recommended for anyone trying to conceive, but it is a notable source of this vital nutrient.

Cooking

Arugula is an easy green to use and it also happens to be an easy green to grow yourself. If you have a sunny windowsill you can even grow your own arugula inside a city apartment. Here are some arugula gardening pointers from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Popular in Italian cooking, this peppery green can be used lightly cooked or raw. One of my favorite aphrodisiac arugula recipes is this fennel and tangerine salad with arugula and sweet onion. Additional arugula recipes include:

Grilled Fig & Arugula Salad

Smoked Salmon Egg Salad

Grilled & Raw Corn Salad with Arugula and Finger Lime

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It should not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here are not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional. More information

This article was written in 2012 and most recently updated in 2026, with updates including updated links in the nutrition and cooking sections. 

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.

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