Watercress – Weed of Wonder
Watercress - Weed of Wonder
Watercress (nasturtium officinale) is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by human beings. Native to Europe and central Asia, it is a member of the cabbage family and an aquatic or semi-aquatic, perennial plant.
The health benefits of watercress have been hailed across the ages with the Anglo-Saxons swearing by it to 'spring-clean' their blood to the Victorians who thought the plant was a cure for toothache and even freckles
Watercress is an extremely healthy food and an excellent source of vitamins B1, B6, E, K. It contains iron, sulphur, potassium, more Vitamin C than fresh oranges, more calcium that cow's milk and is one of the best 'ACE' foods available: Vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants which help to neutralise the harmful effects of 'free radicals' - chemicals produced by modern living.
It also contains high quantities of a substance called gluconasturtiin. When chewed, this constituent of watercress releases another compound phenylethylglucosinolate (PEITC). Scientists working on cancer-prevention programmes have shown that PEITC can neutralise specific cancer-forming agents in tobacco smoke, during tests on human volunteers.
Watercress is an excellent food source for pregnant women due to its iodine and folic acid content and is a well known natural remedy for digestive ailments, anaemia, eczema, circulation, sluggish menstruation, lethargy, kidney stones and gallstones.
Watercress (including organic varieties) is grown in a number of counties of the UK, most notably, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset. It has become widely available across the UK and is increasingly being stocked pre-packed in supermarkets, as well as fresh by the bunch at farmers' markets and greengrocers.
So get healthy with the great taste of scrumptious watercress. For some delicious recipes, visit http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/search.do?keywords=Watercress&searchType=recipes and http://www.organicwatercress.co.uk/
Sources
www.zimbio.com/Healthy+Lifestyle/articles/667/Wholesome+Nutritive+Wonders+Watercress
www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-weed-that-works-wonders-711100.html
www.ecademy.com/module.php?mod=club&t=948645
Recent Articles
The True Art of Chocolate in Taste 22nd Mar, 2010
Parker's Cakes and Chocolates is olfactory heaven. The minute you step inside, your nostrils fill with the tantalising aromas of cocoa, cream and caramel...
Trinchado in Taste 9th Mar, 2010
Portuguese / South African Style Beef
I first tried this dish during the early 1980s at a Portuguese restaurant in a small town south of Johannesburg...
Try Something a Bit Different this Winter in Taste 29th Oct, 2009
Vitamin-Packed Veggies on your Doorstep
Wiltshire boasts a fantastic selection of fresh seasonal vegetables, so this winter get adventurous and try s...
Member Login
Rewards
Win fantastic prizes when you join weareDenz!
Qualify for our quarterly draw once you've earned 250 points.
Receive 50 points for every new friend that you invite to weareDenz. Earn 25 points each time you review a business.
For more information, click here.