With a very characteristic flavor and aroma and a slightly spicy touch, watercress is a vegetable that can be used in various recipes, such as salads, soups, and even smoothies. Dark green in color with white flowers, it is a food with many important nutrients for the body’s well-being.
Watercress can be grown at any time of year and, as it is a semi-aquatic plant, its natural habitats are cool, damp areas.
In addition to being available all year round, watercress offers numerous health benefits:
- Reduces blood pressure: With good levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, watercress consumption is associated with lower blood pressure, preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease and keeping the heart healthy.
- Healthy bones and muscles: Rich in vitamin K, it facilitates the absorption of calcium in the body.
- Helps prevent diabetes: One of the main indications for consuming watercress is to control blood sugar levels. Its nutritional properties are effective in lowering glucose and preventing diabetes.
- Eases respiratory problems: With an anti-inflammatory effect and rich in antioxidant properties, watercress helps reduce symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Additionally, watercress strengthens the immune system, preventing colds and flu.
- Helps prevent anemia
- Source of energy: A source of essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and A, for example, consuming the plant helps our body have more energy for physical and daily activities, as it keeps the organism healthy and nourished.
- Helps fight cancer: Rich in antioxidants and micronutrients, watercress helps fight cancer cells. Breast, prostate, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer, for example, can be prevented by consuming this vegetable.
- Helps with weight loss: due to its low calorie content – it has only 22 calories per 100 grams.
- Improves skin and hair health: as it is rich in vitamins A and C and the B complex.
Did you know that watercress has the ability to protect healthy cells during radiotherapy treatments in cancer patients?
