Watercress has several health benefits that encourage you to include it in your diet more frequently.
The vitamins A, C, and K in watercress make it a nutritious and healthy dietary choice. According to available data, it was a staple in the Roman army's dietary regimen.
Watercress has potent polyphenols that defend against free radical damage and chronic illnesses. Thus, including it in your diet may be one of the best things you can do for your health.
Exactly how can watercress benefit one's health?
Watercress contains a high concentration of isothiocyanates, which have been shown to have anti-disease and immune-enhancing effects. Some research suggests that the nitrates in this vegetable can boost athletic performance and improve heart health. Other elements in this vegetable prevent diabetes and bone loss.
Potentially Good for Your Heart
Studies show that watercress and other nutrient-dense vegetables can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the heart-healthy benefits of consuming cruciferous veggies.
Nitrates, found in green leafy vegetables, are also suitable for your heart. Nitrates in the diet are known to reduce blood pressure and inhibit platelet aggregation. Increased endothelial function and physical performance after exercise are two benefits individuals experience. One way nitrates accomplish this is by lowering arterial stiffness, thickness, and inflammation.
Animal research on watercress extracts effectively lowered total cholesterol, triglyceride, and "bad" LDL levels. But further research is needed.
Possible Help in Diabetic Care
There is a shortage of evidence to back up this assertion. However, one study suggests that watercress may positively impact blood glucose levels. The research on diabetic rats showed that watercress extracts could reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels. If these results hold up in human studies, they might positively impact the lives of people with diabetes. Hypertension and neuropathy are vascular illnesses more common in people with diabetes. Thanks to its nitric oxide content, watercress can provide relief in this regard. Other effects of diabetes, such as blindness and amputations, may be mitigated by nitric oxide.
May Contribute to Bone Health
A flavonoid called rutin, which is present in watercress, has been shown to promote the growth of osteoblasts (cells responsible for secreting the matrix used to create new bone). In addition, the vegetable was discovered to promote bone mineralization. Watercress' vitamin K content is also essential for bone health. A lack of this vitamin has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
It may improve immune function
Watercress has been shown to improve immunity in fish. Watercress has several minerals that support the immune system, including vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, folic acid, iron, glucosinolates, and calcium.
