Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) is a mineral-rich, dark green leafy vegetable grown in natural spring water. It falls within the Brassicaceae family with many health benefits.These health benefits are gotten from its rich mineral and vitamin content. Most times, the Watercress is overlooked even as it grows around slow-moving streams. You can call it a cousin of arugula, cabbage, and mustard greens. A succulent and attractive plant, which is cultivated in Central Asia, Europe, and the America. You can also grow your ownwatercress in your backyard without stress.
Season and where to grow it
Watercress can be cultivated as a perennial crop and does well in the wild especially in areas partially submerged in running water. It also survives in moderately cool climates. Mode of cultivation includes through seed, cuttings or transplants. Its flavor is best during the cool months but the flavor diminishes when it becomes excessively mature.
Health Benefits of Watercress
There are many benefits associated with the use of watercress but the major health benefits include Prevent Breast Cancer. Its consumption increases blood circulatory, prevents the reoccurrence of breast cancer, and prevents colorectal cancer. The antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid in watercress helps in reducing the glucose level in your body. Others include: Prevention of stroke, acts as antidepressant, prevention of cognitive disorder, and improve bone health and reduce osteoporosis. Aside from the health benefits, watercress has great benefit to your skin and hair.
Nutritional Constituents
Beetroot, watercress with other leafy greens have ahigh level of dietary nitrate. You can use it to prepare a soup. Studies have shown that high consumption of dietary nitrate reduces blood pressure, minimizes the amount of oxygen required during exercising while improving your athletic performance. There is lots of nutritional information not known about watercress. Generally, it contains fat, protein, carbohydrate, potassium, manganese, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Medicinal value of watercress
Watercress is beneficial as a food because of its strong preventive medicine especially when eaten daily. If you consistently eat it, it will repair cellular damage, prevent thyroid imbalance and cancer while affecting your body systems. For post-menopausal women, the nutrients contained in watercress is beneficial as it reduces their risk of having osteoporosis. It is a powerful superfood not to be neglected.
Culinary Use of watercress
Watercress is used in various ways in different parts of the world. While some apply it in garnishing some cuisines, other employ it in cooking soup, preparing salads, sauces and sandwiches.
Whatever be your taste, you will always something special to enjoy with your watercress.
Lest I forget; you need to visit the Nam Khan project, which is a functioning premaculture ecofarm where you can have a feel of tropical fruits. You can as well Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic, healthy restaurant packed with variety of cuisines and natural fruits, vegetable fruit smoothies-detox and salads.
