Shrimp and Arugula Salad with Chickpeas

A classic shrimp and arugula salad – packed with fresh veggies and bright Mediterranean flavors – needn’t be reserved for a visit to your local trattoria.

In fact, this quick and delicious, protein-packed meal can be on the table in 15 minutes flat!

And while the flavors (and calories) are light, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how filling this healthy meal is.

The reason? Each sumptuous serving provides a hefty 27 grams of protein – a power nutrient that keeps you feeling full, while stoking your metabolism and helping to burn fat at the same time.

But the benefits go much deeper than helping to shape a lean physique…

Shrimp and Arugula Salad: A Cancer-Fighting Super-Salad

This simple salad also offers powerful cancer protection thanks to two key nutrients: selenium and glucosinolates.

Selenium is an antioxidant micronutrient that carries out a wide range of vital functions. And when it comes to cancer prevention, selenium helps in three important ways:

1. Boosts the Production of Glutathione: Selenium is required to produce more than two dozen enzymes, including glutathione – your body’s master antioxidant and detoxifier. In addition to neutralizing toxins and free radicals, glutathione is also involved with DNA synthesis and repair – keys to keeping cells healthy.
2. Enhances Antioxidant Activity: Selenium helps to boost the activity of two key cancer-fighting antioxidants – vitamin C and vitamin E – by recharging them back to their active form.
3. Improves Immune Function: Selenium helps to boost immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells. It also helps to regulate the activity of specialized cell-signaling molecules (called cytokines) that are important for healthy immune response.

Unfortunately, most of our diets are severely lacking in selenium, leaving us susceptible to damage from free radicals, dietary and environmental toxins and the development of cancer.

But enjoying the salad recipe below – which provides 44 mcg (62% of the RDA) for selenium – is a great way to boost your intake of this important nutrient.

Glucosinolates are phytochemicals found in peppery arugula and other members of the Cruciferous family of vegetables. These powerful nutrients have been shown to neutralize free radicals and boost the production of proteins that suppress tumors.

All of these health promoting benefits are wrapped up in a delicious, quick and satisfying salad!

If you’re following a strict Paleo diet or choose to avoiding legumes, feel free to substitute the chickpeas with organic roasted red pepper or olives for a delicious shrimp and arugula salad with beautifully balanced flavors.