Due to its high nutritional value, rich in vitamins and minerals, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, watercress is considered the healthiest food in the world.
The scientific journal Preventing Chronic Disease cites research from the William Paterson University of New Jersey that determines that, after analyzing 47 other foods, watercress is the healthiest in the world.
In the study, watercress scored 100 followed by Chinese cabbage at 91.99; Swiss chard 89.27 and beets 87.08.
The study measured the content of potassium, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, zinc and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and K, determining that the watercress reached the highest score. : a 100.
Which means that the necessary amount of watercress to obtain 100 kcal also provides 100% of the recommended daily allowance of all these nutrients.
Watercress is from the cruciferous family Brassicaceae, which also includes other superfoods like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
Health benefits of consuming watercress
Because it is a rich source of antioxidants, which help prevent oxidation of cells, anticancer properties are attributed to it.
Watercress contains compounds called glucosinolates, considered adjuvants to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, especially in breast, colon and lung cancers.
The consumption of watercress is associated with lowering blood pressure and increasing HDL cholesterol levels, which is good, thus promoting heart health.
Because it is rich in vitamin C, it strengthens a healthy immune system, as well as providing other vitamins and minerals, which contribute to general health.
How to consume it
Nasturtium officinale, known as watercress, has a slightly spicy flavor and can be consumed in different preparations, such as salads, soups, omelettes, stews, and teas, among others.
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