It seems that more is discovered each day about the amazing healing power of vegetables. An often overlooked vegetable that received many points for health is the watercress plant. A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, this tasty, green veggie closely resembles its cousins, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts with regard to potential health benefits. This little-publicized relative of the broccoli family is cited for having a unique chemical called PEITC which affords it some unique cancer-fighting properties. Here are some of the amazing health benefits of watercress:
Health benefits of watercress: It may reduce the risk of cancer
The cruciferous vegetable family is high in a group of phytochemicals called glucosinolates which are precursors to a group of cancer-fighting compounds known as isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates are thought to account for many of the cancer-fighting properties of the cruciferous vegetable family. In addition, watercress has a unique component known as nasturtium which is converted into a form of isothiocyanate known as PEITC. Studies done with PEITC have shown some rather remarkable results. A study published in Cancer Research in 2007 showed that the presence of PEITC inhibited the growth of both human prostate and colon cancer cells. Studies have also shown evidence that PEITC can block the growth of breast cancer cells. In fact, PEITC has been found to prevent cancer growth at several different points critical to tumor development.
Health benefits of watercress: It may help vision
In addition to its possible cancer-fighting properties, watercress also appears to have vision preservation properties by helping to lower the risk of the most common cause of adult blindness in the United States, macular degeneration. It seems to exert this effect through its high levels of two carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin. There’s also evidence that these carotenoids may reduce the incidence of another common vision robber, cataracts.
Health benefits of watercress: It may help to prevent heart disease
The high levels of lutein found in watercress may have the additional benefit of preventing the development of coronary artery disease and heart attacks. Several studies have shown that dietary intact of lutein may protect the arteries from the development of dangerous arterial plaque. With 1961 mcg of lutein and zeaxanthin, watercress is a powerhouse source of these carotenoids.
In addition to these powerful health benefits, watercress is also a rich source of vitamins and is extremely low in calories with only four calories per cup. Its unique peppery taste can add punch to almost any salad and it makes delicious soups. If you looking to add nutrient punch to your diet, watercress is an excellent choice.
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