The Health Benefits of Watercress
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Watercress is a leafy green that is part of the Brassicaceae family of vegetables, which includes kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
BENEFITS :
. Watercress is rich in isothiocyanates and other nutrients that are good for your health.
. Nutrient-dense Watercress is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being low in calories, making it a nutrient-dense food.
. High in iron, Watercress contains high levels of iron, which is necessary to convert energy from food and is essential for growth and development.
. Maintains a strong immune system
. Promotes healthy pregnancy: Due to the high quantity of folate in watercress, it is very beneficial for pregnant women. Studies have reported that consumption of folate-rich foods, similar to watercress, can lower the risk of neural tube insufficiency.
. Improves thyroid function: Raw watercress has shown to have a positive effect on thyroid health by reducing thyroid hormone production.
. Improves bone health: Watercress contains substantial amounts of calcium, which can help slow the progression of osteoporosis. Additionally, watercress has natural chemicals that stimulate the osteoblasts (bone cells) that build bone tissue.
. Improves eyesight: Watercress is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids with antioxidant properties. These two carotenoids are essential for eye health.
. Helps slow skin aging: Watercress contains vitamins A and C, which help skin cells repair themselves. Moreover, they help combat sun-induced skin damage and keep skin blemish-free.
. Helps fight cancer: Watercress contains phenylethyl isothiocyanate, which interferes with a critical protein in cancer development. It turns off a signal called hypoxia inducible factor, starving cancer tumor growth and slows the rate of spread.
. Helps to Prevents chronic diseases: Antioxidant properties of watercress helps delay the onset of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health problems.
. Enhances athletic performance: Watercress contains a high amount of dietary nitrates. Nitrates help relax the blood vessels and improve vascular health, which can enhance athletic performance
. Aids weight loss: Since watercress is low in calories but packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, it is great for weight management.
Nutritional value
Based on 1 cup:
4 calories
0.782 grams of protein
0.034 grams of fat
0.439 grams of carbohydrate
0.17 grams of fiber
. Watercress is also rich in the following nutrients: Vitamins K, C, E, A, and B6 Calcium Manganese Potassium Thiamin Riboflavin Magnesium Phosphorus.
