At PurpleCarrot Nutrition we love creating recipes that are not just delicious but also incredibly good for you. This week we have been working with one of the most nutrient-packed veggies out there – peppery watercress.
Watercress belongs to the Brassica family which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale.
Research has found that the high vitamin K levels in watercress can support bone formation and strengthening as well as is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease as it can limit neuronal damage.
Watercress is packed full of natural antioxidants, called gluconasturtiin, which may help reduce potential carcinogens from the body.
Watercress also have a high concentration of the amazing antioxidant vitamin C (100 g provide 47 mg) which helps trap reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may increase the ability of blood cells to resist DNA damage caused by free radicals, which is considered a potential trigger in the development of cancer.
Betacarotene is a fantastic antioxidant that the body can convert to vitamin A which we need to support fertility, collagen production and healthy mucous membranes which help prevent infections by pathogens.