What is watercress? Watercress is a valuable, peppery member of the cabbage family, so it comes with a powerful nutrition punch. It does very well in salads. Once you discover the many and varied health benefits of watercress nutrition, you are sure to try to add some to your favorite vegetable juice recipes.
Just a quick warning: If you have any health concerns, it is better to talk to your doctor about using watercress, as it is quite potent.
While there are many watercress health benefits, you don't want to juice this on its own. It will be far too bitter and it is much better to dilute it with other juices.
What Are The Elements That Form Part Of Watercress Nutrition?
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Beta-Carotene
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Copper
- Potassium
- Iodine
11 Possible Health Benefits Of Watercress Nutrition
It adds fiber to your diet
As part of the cabbage family, watercress has anti-cancer properties - in fact, it may be even better for you than broccoli!
It has been shown to lower cholesterol
It may also help to reduce plaque in your arteries, so it is good for your heart in general
This is a low-calorie option to include in your recipes if you are juicing for weight loss
As is the case with cucumber, watercress as part of your nutrition plan may help to reduce water retention
It acts as a skin tonic, as it has cleansing properties
While not as effective as parsley in this respect, it can help to sweeten your breath. This is as a result of the chlorophyll in the leaves
The health benefits of watercress nutrition includes being good for your eyes. This is due to the high levels of two special carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin
It can help with anemia, due to the high iron content in combination with Vitamin C
May help with bone health
Remember that you have to combine watercress with other fruits and vegetables. Simply add a few leaves when preparing juice combinations such as carrots, apples, celery and beetroot. Never drink this green juice neat. It simply is too potent and your tastebuds will not be pleased with the bitter taste! You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to improve the taste.
Buying And Storing Watercress
You should look for the freshest, deep green leaves you can find. Wilted watercress is old and will have lost some nutritional value. Keep the watercress in the refrigerator and use within 2 to 3 days.
What is watercress? Clearly it can be a super-nutrition aid in your kitchen. Keep the health benefits of watercress nutrition in mind when you next go veggie shopping...
From the juicing for health desk of Rika Susan
