Watercress: Learn about the benefits of the vegetable
Table of contents
O watercress is one of the most popular vegetables and can be eaten in many ways. More than just tasty, this vegetable is excellent for your health.
With a very characteristic flavor and aroma, it is eaten as a salad and also used in recipes for stewed meats and in soups and broths, adding an even more special touch to any recipe. Its color is dark green, and although it is popular in many parts of the world, its origin is uncertain.
The leaf is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C It is more abundant in iron than cabbage and spinach, and the stalks are rich in iodine.
With many nutrients and low caloric value (about 4 calories in 35 grams), it helps to provide satiety more easily, making us eat less, without decreasing the amount of nutrients ingested. Therefore, it should be part of a healthy diet and the diet of those who want to lose weight.
Benefits of Watercress
Facilitates digestion
Besides being a real vitamin food, it is rich in fiber and aids intestinal function In this way, it prevents and combats constipation, while at the same time facilitating intestinal transit.
Read more: 5 common spices that aid digestion
Fights colds
Source of vitamin C, it strengthens immunity and, consequently, acts in the prevention and combat of respiratory problems, colds, and even the flu, whose main symptoms are chills, fever, rhinorrhea, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, cough, fatigue, and general feeling of discomfort.
Read also: Best foods for the voice
Watercress protects heart health
This vegetable benefits and protects heart health, since it helps reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood and assists the blood pressure control However, it is important to point out that this is only possible if it is taken in natura, and not through supplements.
Read also: High-fiber diet can prevent heart disease and diabetes
Prevents diabetes
One of the greatest benefits of watercress consumption is that the vegetable is used for controlling blood sugar rates. Its nutritional properties become effective in lowering glucose and preventing diabetes.
Protects bones
Because it has a lot of vitamin K and calcium, the vegetable is great for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. Thus, watercress is a great option for people who do not consume milk and dairy products.
How to consume watercress
- Salads
- Soups, broths and risottos
- Stewed meats, stews and more
- Stew
- Rosti potatoes
Certainly, these are just a few examples, but the options go even further, after all, this is a very versatile spice.
