This mineral-dense dark, leafy green originated in Asia and Europe. Grown in natural spring water and slow meandering streams, watercress has a slightly peppery taste and a fascinating balance of crunchy edible stalks and soft leaves. Similar to kale, watercress has for ages been known as a splendidly nutritious herb and a natural remedy for various health challenges. It`s not only nutritious, it is also sumptuous. Its use in salads, on sandwiches, and as a partially steamed side dish confirm this.
What`s the Big Deal about Watercress?
You couldn`t have asked a better question. Here is a list of what watercress can do for you.
- Preventing breast cancer
- Offers a richly supply of vitamin C
- Boosting immunity
- Lowering blood pressure
- Treating diabetes
- Improving vision
- Reducing damage caused by oxidative stress
- Managing gallbladder function
- Supporting hair health
- Strengthening teeth
- Improving brain health
- Preventing regular cold
- It prevents iron deficiency.
- It prevents a hangover
- It promoting weight loss
- It improving thyroid gland function
- It purifies the blood
- It maintains healthy bones
- and loads of other benefits
What`s its Nutritional Value?
Would you believe that the vitamin C content in watercress is higher than that of an orange? This can`t be truer. What more? It contains more iron than spinach, it has got more folate than bananas and contains more calcium than milk. That`s not all, as it also contains a high content of vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. All these are a gift to your body system!
In a cup of chopped watercress, here`s what you get
- Vitamin A: 1085 IU
- Vitamin C: 6 mg
- Niacin: 1 mg
- Folate: 1 mcg
- Vitamin: K 0 mcg
- Calcium: 8 mg
- Magnesium: 1 mg
- Phosphorus: 4 mg
- Sodium: 9 mg
Now to its Health Benefits!
You must have been waiting for this. Who wouldn`t anyway, considering the amazing foregoing information?
Prevents Breast Cancer
Watercress has got highly active cancer preventive phytonutrients. Consuming a plate of salad which has got watercress supports the cardiovascular system so much that it prevents the return of breast cancer. It is incredibly beneficial when added to one`s diet as a cancer prevention for lung, breast, and stomach cancer.
Richly Supplies Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the major nutrients the body requires to function excellently. Because it reduces the risk of having blood cell damage, repairs brain tissue and protects the body against various diseases, it is just perfect for you.
Boosts Immunity
The high vitamin C content is perfect for protecting your body against diseases caused by bacteria, virus, and fungi. The plentiful supply of the vitamin releases antioxidants, which help eliminate free radicals and any symptoms of inflammation from your body, thereby improving your immunity.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Did you know that high levels of zeaxanthin and lutein are reliable for supporting people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases? They`re useful for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Watercress is up to this task.
Treats Diabetes
Watercress is bursting with antioxidants known as alpha-lipoic acid, which lower glucose levels, thereby preventing changes brought on by oxidative stress, They also increase insulin sensitivity.
Improves Vision
Vitamin C is necessary to minimize the risk of cataract development. Because watercress is a superb source of vitamin C, it may be helpful for improving your eyesight.
Reduces Damage Caused by Oxidative Stress
Vitamin C, in combination with vitamin E, is great in reducing oxidative damage to red blood cells. Eating foods like watercress benefits the health in amazing ways.
Manages Gallbladder Function
Because watercress has got high water content, the plant helps eliminate harmful toxins which hinder the gallbladder function.
Ensures Healthier Hair
Zinc, iron, and other vitamins are essential for healthy hair. Watercress is rich in these. Zinc, in particular, helps wash away bacteria from the scalp, acting as an anti-dandruff component.
Cures Coughs
Watercress has a compound called sulphur glycosides, which is strong enough to treat any disease related to long-term bronchitis, coughs especially.
Strengthens Teeth
Because watercress is an exceptional source of calcium, it can be remarkably advantageous for your teeth. Consuming the plant will add some strength to your teeth, and also cure bleeding gums.
Improves Brain Health
Vitamin C consumption is significant in preventing cognitive changes connected with aging and Alzheimer’s, and also repairing brain tissues. Watercress has got vitamin C, and that makes it a wonder.
Improves Thyroid Gland Function
When you eat watercress raw, it reduces the production of thyroid hormone.
Prevents Iron Deficiency
Watercress is a grand source of iron, and iron is required to provide hemoglobin to the body. Hemoglobin increases red blood cells, and this is essential for people who are genetically iron deficient.
Prevents Hangover
Consuming watercress juice is perfect for curing a hangover because it causes the cleansing enzymes to detoxify your liver, preventing you from feeling the terrible consequence of excess drinking.
Promotes Weight Loss
Watercress has a rather low-calorie content, about 18 calories per serving, making this plant advantageous for anyone who desires to lose weight. What else? It contains dietary fiber and amino acids, ensuring you feel full for long periods of time and prevent casual snacking.
It`s Got Purifying Effects
Watercress has got cleansing agents that are highly important for purifying the body. Watercress increases diuresis, which efficiently eliminates toxins from the entire body.
Maintains Healthy Bones
Watercress has a copious supply of vitamin K. Remember that vitamin K deficiency is linked with a higher risk of bone rupture, however, an adequate supply of vitamin K consumption improves bone health and acts as a changer of bone matrix proteins, heightening the intake of calcium, and reducing the discharge of calcium. Interesting, isn`t it? Watercress is just a wonder.
Prevents Regular Cold
Foods rich in Vitamin C, such as watercress, are known to be an effective solution for a common cold.
Watercress Facts!
- The Persian King, Xerxes, ordered his soldiers to eat watercress to keep them healthy during their long marches.
- A long time ago, soldiers ate watercress to prevent and cure scurvy.
- Watercress is a member of the mustard family and is believed to have originated in Ancient Greece.
- Watercress is an integral part of Mediterranean diets.
- One of Britain’s best-known dishes, watercress soup, became popular in the 17th century when it was claimed that it cleansed the blood.
- Watercress is believed by many to be an aphrodisiac.
- In Crete, islanders swear by its powers and ancient recipes are handed down from one generation to the next.
- The U.S. Army planted watercress in the gardens of forts along the western trails, as food for their soldiers.
- The Romans treated insanity with vinegar and watercress.
- It was said that Roman emperors ate watercress to help them make bold decisions.
A Watercress Recipe
Watercress with Rice Wine-Oyster Sauce
What`s Needed?
- Whisk rice wine
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Salt
How`s it Prepared?
- Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed large skillet over high heat
- After a bead of water vaporizes within 1 to 2 seconds of contact, add some canola oil into the pan.
- Add garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds.
- Add watercress and stir-fry for a minute.
- Stir constantly to avoid scorching the watercress.
- Stir the rice wine-oyster sauce and swirl it into the pan.
- Stir-fry until the watercress is tender but still bright green.
- Stir in sesame oil.
- Remove the garlic earlier added.
- Serve immediately.
.Watercress is such an amazing vegetable!
