We’re all pretty good at adding spinach and lettuce to our salads and smoothies, but you can broaden your green horizons and your anti-cancer food arsenal with this peppery partner.
Watercress is one of the many incredible edibles that are scrumptious to eat and stupendously good for you.
This green powerhouse contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals. It packs more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, and even more iron than spinach.
Low in fat and very versatile, watercress also contains beta-carotene (Vitamin A equivalents) iodine, copper, potassium and is a great source of antioxidants.
Watercress is quite peppery, not unlike rocket or argula, and is, unsurprisingly, a member of the mustard and cress family. Its Latin name, Nasturium, literally means ‘nose twister’ which refers to its pungent aroma!
Watercress is a semi aquatic plant which thrives in slightly alkaline water found mainly in Europe. The Romans cultivated watercress and the plant is referred to throughout European history for its healing and nutritious properties.
In the past, it’s been used for any number of ailments: baldness, skin compliments, thyroid problems, kidney stones, weak eye sight, nervous ailments, breast milk production, infertility, bronchial disorders, urinary tract disorders, appetite control, rheumatism & stiff joints, tuberculosis, and diabetes.
And what gives watercress its healing powers?
As watercress is a cruciferous green, it is rich in anti-cancerous phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and flavonoids. It’s also high in iodine which is supportive for those concerned about their thyroid or hyperthyroidism.
Recently, the University of Southampton, UK, carried out research about the effect of watercress on the production of cancer cells:
2010 Cancer Results Announced
In order for cancer cells to grow, they need increasing supplies of oxygen from surrounding tissue. The cancer cells actually encourage new blood cells to grow in that surrounding tissue and then “steal” the oxygen from them. Fortunately, watercress contains a compound, the same compound that gives it a peppery taste, that acts as a shield and helps prevent the cancer cells from stealing the oxgygen and growing.
The study, led by Professor Graham Packham, reveals that breast cancer survivors who initially fasted and then ate a cereal bowl-sized serving of watercress were found to have significant levels of this helpful cancer-blocking compound in their systems. This study and another have created a lot of excitement about the anti-cancer effects of watercress.
Adding it to salads, wraps, juices, or green smoothies is the best way to absorb these key nutrients at their most magical.
Enjoy this delicious green smoothie featuring watercress!
The Green Watercress Warrior
Ingredients:
- 1 sweet apple
- 1 handful red grapes
- 1 – 2 chunks pineapple
- 1/2 bunch watercress (or to taste)
- 1 handful spinach
- water as needed to blend
Directions:
Blend fruit and water first (the red grapes may make things a little frothy, but I like it that way!). Add your greens a handful at a time. If you’re new to watercress, start with using less and see how peppery you like the taste!