Watercress is the ultimate superfood – officially! The ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index), which measures vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient content in relation to calories, ranks watercress top dog!
The first benefit – and one of the most researched – is watercress’s amazing role in helping to prevent cancer. Watercress contains two important compounds – DIM (3,3’-diindolylmethane) and sulforaphane – which have both been found to have cancer-fighting powers.
Watercress also contains chlorophyll and research has shown that foods containing chlorophyll may help to keep hunger at bay – they are also effective at detoxing the body. And, if you can’t resist that bacon sarnie at the weekend, add some watercress to it. Combining fried foods with a food containing chlorophyll has been found to help protect your intestines and cells from DNA damage. Good to know!
So which vitamins and minerals does watercress contain? Well, it contains the vital minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium that are needed for regulating your blood pressure. Talking of blood, watercress also contains dietary nitrates that have been shown to have multiple vascular benefits, including protecting against heart disease and helping keep your blood pressure in check.
Just one cup of watercress (34g) will provide your daily vitamin K requirements. Vitamin K is needed for good bone health, as it acts as a modifier of your bone formation, improving the all-important role that calcium plays. Please be aware, though, that increasing vitamin
K is not advised for anyone on blood-thinning medication.
This fabulous green vegetable is also high in dietary fibre, vitamin C, beta-carotene and folate. Its vitamin C levels make it anti-inflammatory and therefore an excellent food post-exercise, as it can help reduce injury.
Last but not least, watercress also contains alpha-lipoic acid, which is needed to regulate blood sugar, making it a key food for diabetics or those sensitive to low blood sugar.
Plenty of reasons to pop some watercress in your trolley next time you’re at the shops then!
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