11 Impressive Health Benefits of Watercress

Watercress NZ

Watecress is an often overlooked aquatic leafy green that packs a powerful nutrient punch. A study conducted by the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) evaluated 47 powerhouse fruits and vegtables, ranking them based on their overall nutrient density and nutrient diversity. Watercress came out number one. So it goes without saying that Watercress Powder is extremely good for you.

Here are 11 impressive health benefits of this remarkable super green.

Packed with Nutrients

Watercress is rich in potassium, which is one of the most important minerals in your body. Potassium helps your body regulate your heartbeat, salt levels, blood pressure, and even the health of your bones.

Watercress is also an excellent source of:

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin A
  • Potassium 
  • Calcium
  • Beta-carotene
  • Carotenoids
  • Magnesium

Boost Brain Health

Researchers believe that watercress can help prevent the cognitive changes that are associated with the development of Alzheimer's. Watercress can also help repair brain tissue for improved brain health. Because this leafy green is rich in vitamin C, scientists believe it boosts neuron activity to enhance brain function. To obtain this plant's protective benefits, add Cress Valley Watercress Supplement to your daily smoothie.

Cancer Prevention

Studies have shown that watercress has anticarcinogenic properties, particularly in association with breast cancer. Researchers suggest that these particular properties may help protect people from other forms of cancer too. Scientist believe the phytochemicals in watercress stimulate cellular protections. Eating it daily can boost the body's ability to ward off cancers.

Reduce Depression

Depression affects millions of people worldwide, but not all depression requires the use of antidepressant medicines. Many people can improve their mood with diet and exercise. Some studies suggest that watercress can boost mood because it contains folate. Folate appears to enhance the work or neurotransmitters like serotonin that are associated with mood. Even if you aren't depressed, it can help guard you against mood disturbances, which is important as stress and worry can sometimes strike out of the blue.

Protect Your Heart Health

Watercress can enhance your cardiovascular health and possibly even reduce the risk of heart disease. Watercress enhance heart health by reducing the levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood where they can cause blood vessels to narrow with the accumulation of plaque. Watercress also contains vitamin C that can help protect your heart from oxidative stress.

Bone Health Protection

 If you want to reduce your risk of osteoporosis, you should add watercress to your regular diet. Watercress is an excellent source of three minerals that are important for healthy bones: calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The folate in watercress has the power to support bone density. In addition, Vitamin K is a key nutrient in bone density and watercress is a Vitamin K powerhouse!

Boost Immune System Function

A rich source of vitamin C and Vitamin A, watercress helps boost the immune system to keep viruses like the common cold at bay. Watercress also contains beta-carotene and vitamin B1, which are important for optimum immune system function. During cold and flu season, be sure to add more to your diet to help protect yourself from these unpleasant viruses.

Waistline-Friendly

Watercress is loaded with dietary fibre as well as amino acids that can leave you feeling fuller longer. When you load up on watercress, you're less likely to reach for a more colorie-packed snack.

Boost Your Libido

Watercress has long been known for its potential aphrodisiac benefits. Historians note that the ancient Persians and Romans believed that watercress could boost their libido. Research suggests that it can enhance the libido by boosting the production of hormones associated with sex.

Helps Maintain Healthy Iron Levels

Watercress contains high levels of iron, unusual in vegetables and necessary to convert energy in our food to be active and essential for growth and development. Iron in vegetables, however, is impossible to be absorbed unless Vitamin C is also present to change the iron into the same form that's so easy to absorb from red meat (known as haem iron). Watecress contains more Vitamin C than Oranges so the iron in watercress is absorbed more easily.

Improves Eye Health

Compounds Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in watercress. These help to block blue light from reaching the retina meaning a reduction in light induced oxidative damage, which would lead to age related macular degeneration (AMD).

The Bottom Line

Watercress is a powerhouse vegetable that packs several important nutrients.

It contains a large array of antioxidants, which may lower your risk of heart disease and several types of cancer.

It is a good source of minerals that protect your bones.

Cress Valley Watercress Powder packs a concentrated nutrient punch and can easily be incorporated into your diet. Simply add one teaspoon to your favourite smoothie, juice or other beverages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 comments

Love this information…

Pauline Wilson

Hi i love watercress, however cannot eat it everyday. So it will be very nice to have the powder in a smoothie. How can I get this powder ?

Tim Wharehinga

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