Hidden in the cool depths of shallow streams and ponds, watercress manages to remain a bit of a secret—unknown except to those who know where to find it. But this humble plant possesses a mighty power: the incredible health benefits it can provide for your body. In this article, we reveal these amazing benefits, and provide tips on how to use watercress to unlock its nutritional treasures.
1. Health Benefits of Watercress
Watercress is a powerhouse of nutrition! This leafy green not only boasts a delightful flavor, but it also packs an impressive dose of health benefits. Here are some of the main advantages you can expect when you add watercress to your diet:
- Loaded with nutrients: Watercress is loaded with valuable vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, E and K, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium.
- Heart-healthy: Watercress contains powerful antioxidants, such as flavonoids, that can help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health, keeping your heart healthy.
- Boosts immunity: Watercress contain carotenoids which enhance your body’s ability to fight off infection, boosting your immunity.
Thanks to its antioxidant compounds, watercress can also help protect your skin against sun damage, while its vitamin E content can help minimize wrinkles and keep your skin looking young and healthy. Plus, it’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, making it a great addition to any weight loss regimen. Add some watercress to your diet today and enjoy the multitude of health benefits it has to offer!
2. Nutritional Profile of Watercress
Watercress is a nutrient-dense superfood that is high in essential vitamins and minerals. This leafy green is low in calories and fat, with a 1-cup serving providing only 4 calories and 0 grams of fat per serving.
This powerhouse green is high in potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin A, C, E, K1, and B vitamins. In just one cup of watercress, you get:
- 93.3mg of calcium
- 8.5mg of iron
- 294mg of potassium
- 17.2mcg of folate
- 43.5mg of magnesium
- 112.2 mg of vitamin C
- 1564 IU of vitamin A
Also, watercress is rich in phytonutrients such as flavonoids and phytochemicals, which act as antioxidants and help protect against cellular damage. These compounds are especially beneficial in helping lower inflammation and reducing oxidative stress from free radicals. Finally, watercress is naturally low in sodium which makes it a great choice for those looking to lower their daily salt intake.
3. Health Benefits of Consuming Watercress
Potential health benefits
Watercress is well-known for its nutritional benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron, Folate and Calcium. Consuming watercress may help provide many health benefits such as:
- Lowering inflammation, which can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis
- Decrease risks of certain types of chronic diseases
- Protect the body from oxidative damage with its powerful antioxidants properties
- Provide cardiovascular protection
- Promote healthy digestion
Nutrient-dense powerhouse
In addition to its potential health benefits, watercress is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. It contains high levels of folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects. Other important minerals include Manganese, Copper, and Zinc, which support immune health and energy production. Watercress is also a great source of dietary fiber, which can help to improve digestive health and reduce cholesterol levels. These nutrients make watercress a nutrient-dense powerhouse that can provide numerous health benefits.
4. How to Incorporate Watercress into Your Diet
Watercress, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, is an edible plant that is highly nutritious. It is a low-calorie source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is known to improve our body’s defense system against diseases. Whether you are looking to switch up your cooking routine or just want to consume more nutrients, here are some tips for incorporating watercress into your diet:
- Smoothies: Watercress is one of the most common thickeners for smoothies. You can mix it with other fruits, green vegetables, or yogurt. This easy-to-make healthy snack is great for on the go!
- Side dish: Watercress can be used as a side dish for lunch or dinner. Blanch it in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then add some garlic, olive oil, and freshly-squeezed lemon juice to give it a flavorful punch.
- Salads: Adding watercress to salads is a great way to add extra nutrients. It goes well with sweet and savory ingredients, so you can mix it with apples, carrots, and nuts for a quick and easy meal.
- Soups: You can also mix watercress with other vegetables to make soups. Simmer it in broth with carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and herbs and spices for a hearty and healthy dinner.
If you are looking for a way to add more nutrients into your diet, tap into the nutrients of watercress. Incorporating this superfood into your recipes can give your meals an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. Try experimenting with different recipes to explore new flavors in your food!
To Wrap It Up
Watercress just might be the superhero of leafy greens, boasting tons of impressive health benefits that just go to show it’s in a league of its own. You don’t need to search far and wide for nutritional support – you just need to find the nearest watercress patch!