Health & Beauty. delivery number 38: THE WATERCRESS.

Thank you for visiting my blog and Continuing with the series of properties and benefits of fruits and vegetables, today I bring you information about:

Watercress is a plant belonging to the cruciferous family, it grows easily along streams and freshwater courses. It is characterized by its aromatic properties and has a rather bitter taste. It can be grown in pots, the important thing is to keep the soil always moist. Let's look at some of its health benefits:

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Antitumor:

The phytonutrients present in this vegetable, such as isothiocyanates, are useful for preventing breast cancer, the plant is effective in reducing DNA damage. It has also been proven effective in reducing cell damage in patients with lung cancer.

Some studies suggest that the substances responsible for the benefits are bitter compounds and gluconasturtiin in particular. This compound is responsible for the spicy taste of watercress. The benefits against cancer are also due to the presence of compounds with antioxidant properties such as beta-carotene, folates, vitamins, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Protects the cardiovascular system:

The antioxidants contained in watercress are useful for reducing the rate of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood. This property helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis.

Thyroid:

Its intake has shown beneficial effects on thyroid health especially when watercress eats raw, But it should be eaten in moderation because if you eat too much it can cause thyroid conditions.

Depression:

Recent studies have shown that the lack of folates significantly increases the risk of depression, therefore it is recommended to eat foods rich in folate and thus reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Pregnancy:

Watercress, with its high folic acid content, helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in newborns. Folate is very important for the proper development of the embryo.

Bone Health:

Watercress has a very high vitamin K content, this is beneficial for protecting bones since this vitamin forms healthy bone tissue.

Respiratory system:

It has expectorant and antiviral properties and is very suitable for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Colds, bronchitis and cough with phlegm are an example. For the treatment of these pathologies, fresh juice from stems, leaves and flowers can be used.

Anorexy:

It contains appetite-stimulating compounds such as, in particular, zinc and gluconasturtiin that stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa to produce gastric secretions, and then the increase in appetite.

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Skin:

Used externally, it can cure any skin problem. Its leaves applied to wounds promote healing and protect them from infection. The same can be done with boils and skin irritations. These capacities are due to vitamin C and zinc, two compounds with antiseptic, healing and regenerative properties of the skin.

The good content of antioxidant compounds makes this vegetable an excellent ally to counteract the harmful activity of free radicals.

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In the kitchen it can be consumed in several ways: in juice, raw in salads or can be used to fill sandwiches, steamed as a garnish or as an ingredient in soups. It can also be used to make tortillas or to prepare delicious sauces. So that its organoleptic properties remain unchanged, it is recommended to consume it raw.

The plant should not be administered to people with problems of gastritis, gastric ulcer, intestinal ulcer. Nor for people with kidney or gallbladder problems. Excessive use of watercress can cause thyroid conditions, problems with irritation of the bladder or kidneys.

I hope you like this initiative ... you can make suggestions and propose fruits and vegetables for the next delivery.

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