Watercress Health Benefits – Global Healing Network

The bitter vegetable, also known as garden arugula or roquette, is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and widely used in France and Italy. These days, the plant is also found in dishes in the United States, where the peppery flavor enhances the taste of pasta, sandwiches, and sauces.

As a superfood, watercress is full of phytonutrients that benefit the body in many ways. Here are seven health benefits of watercress:

1- Promotes eye health. Watercress is rich in beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that the body uses to produce vitamin A. Bitter greens also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which may prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

2- May reduce the risk of cancer. Watercress contains glucosinolates – sulfur-containing compounds that are metabolized into indoles, thiocyanates, and isothiocyanates. According to research, isothiocyanates exhibit anti-cancer properties. Studies also show that eating watercress can help reduce the risk of lung, prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer.

3- It is good for bone health. Watercress is a good source of calcium and vitamin K. In fact, it contains eight times more calcium than lettuce. Only three cups of vegetables are needed to provide the body with 100 percent of its daily vitamin K needs. Vitamin K is essential for helping bones and teeth absorb calcium, thus promoting optimal bone health. People with osteoporosis and those recovering from bone injuries are advised to eat watercress.

4- Promotes weight loss and supports digestion Watercress contains only 25 calories per 100 grams. It is also low in carbs but rich in fibre. This fiber along with the water content in watercress may help with indigestion. Fiber can also help reduce food intake by promoting satiety.

5- Supports healthy skin development Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, eating watercress is good for the skin. Since ancient times, people have been using this vegetable to treat common skin conditions like eczema, dry skin, and acne. Adding watercress seed oil to your diet may also help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

6- It is good for brain health In a study focused on the role of folic acid and other nutrients in preventing cognitive decline, researchers discovered that among high-functioning older adults, the risk of developing cognitive decline was higher for those with low levels of folic acid. . Thus, the researchers concluded that increasing dietary folate intake can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Watercress is rich in folic acid and provides 97 micrograms of this essential vitamin per 100 grams.

7- Helps enhance sexual performance Eating watercress is also beneficial for reproductive health. According to an animal study, watercress contains phytonutrients with aphrodisiac effects. The ancient Romans also used the vegetable as an aphrodisiac. (Related: Watercress is known as an aphrodisiac and as the best anti-cancer food.)

Watercress is a nutritious vegetable that offers many health benefits. To learn more about the nutritional properties and medicinal uses of this superfood, visit Food.news.

Sources include:
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MasterClass.Com

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