Amazing Watercress

Watercress is the vegetable that is often overlooked at the supermarket but there is something that should not be ignored in this vegetable.

Hippocrates was the first to recognize the potential health benefits of watercress. Today, good intakes of nutrient and phytochemicals-dense green leafy and/or cruciferous vegetables has been associated with a decreased risk of conditions such as certain cancers, coronary heart disease, age-related macular degeneration and skin photo damage.

HEALTH BENEFITS

This not much publicized relative of the broccoli family is cited for having a unique chemical called "PEITC" which affords it some unique cancer fighting properties.Cruciferous vegetable family is high in a group of phytochemicals called glucosinolates which are precursors to a group of cancer fighting compounds known as isothiocyinates.Studies have also shown evidence that PEITC can block the growth of breast cancer cells as well as inhibits growth of human prostate and colon cancer cells.The high levels of lutein found in watercress may have the additional benefit of preventing the development of coronary artery disease and heart attack.

* Watercress contains anticancer properties. * Watercress helps protect the eyes because it contains a high level of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. * Watercress helps to normalize cholesterol and blood pressure. * Watercress increases sexual energy and enhances fertility. * Watercress can help improved memory, mental function and to retard ageing. * Watercress is a powerful cleanser of the body, especially the bloodstream. * Watercress can help increase production of breast milk.
* Watercress is low in calories and high in potassium which is valued for weight loss, as its diuretic action draws excess fluid down and out of the body.
* Watercress helps improve digestion by regulating the flow of bile.
* Watercress is valued for clearing and improving the complexion.
* The chlorophyll-rich leaves are chewed to absorb breath odors.
* Chewing raw watercress leaves can cure bleeding gums.
* Watercress leaves are used as a poultice for the relief of enlarged prostate gland. The poultice can also treat swollen feet and sprained ankles.
* Watercress is a good source of iodine, which is important to the function of the thyroid gland.
* Watercress is rich calcium which can strengthen the bones and teeth.

Buy fresh-looking greens with springy leaves that show no evidence of wilting and yellowing. Store it in large plastic bags in the refrigerator for two or three days.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Watercress is:

* Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
* High in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Manganese, Protein, Folate, Pantothenic Acid and Copper.For more information go to http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2718/2


RECIPES


Watercress soup

Ingredients:

* 2 bunches of watercress, roughly chopped
* 1 medium potato, cubed
* 1 medium white onion, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
* 1 Tbsp of butter & 1 Tbsp of olive oil
* 2 cups of organic chicken or vegetable stock
* 2 cups of milk
* 2 tsp of sea salt
* 1/s tsp of freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a pot over a medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 30 seconds. Turn the heat to low and sweat the onions for 15 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure they don't caramelize.
2. Turn the heat back up to medium-high and add the garlic. Fry for 30 seconds.
3. Now add the potato cubes, salt and pepper and fry for 1 minute. Add the milk, the stock and stir.
4. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes. Add the watercress and stir well. Turn the heat down sightly and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add a pinch of black pepper and serve immediately.