The health benefits of watercress

The health benefits of watercress
Watercress is much more than just a leafy garnish – take another look and you’ll see a tangy salad green or peppery soup ingredient that is rich with nutrients.

It’s time we all started thinking differently about watercress. This peppery green vegetable clearly deserves a more prominent position on your plate as gram for gram it has more vitamin and mineral credentials than any other fruit or vegetable. It does come with some fine print, though, as its rich content of oxalic acid and potassium can cause bowel irritations if taken in excess.

Said to be the god Zeus’ choice of high-energy food due to its strength-building properties, watercress has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes.

The father of medicine, Hippocrates, located his hospital near a fresh source of watercress so he could use it in the treatment of his patients. It is known in folklore to do everything from expel worms, prevent baldness and even cure acne. Watercress belongs to the mustard (brassica) family, which also includes cauliflower and broccoli. Packed with vitamins A, C and all of the wonders in the B group, it also contains potassium, calcium, phosphorous and fibre.

Try some of our favourite watercress recipes:

Seared Beef Tataki with Ponzu Sauce & Watercress Salad

Seared Beef Tataki with Ponzu Sauce & Watercress Salad

Sumac Chicken with Watercress, Pomegranate and Walnut

Sumac Chicken with Watercress, Pomegranate and Walnut

Fish Mornay with Watercress Mash

Fish Mornay with Watercress Mash

Pickled Radish, Cucumber and Watercress Salad

Lamb Shoulder & Watercress Pesto

Lamb Shoulder & Watercress Pesto | MiNDFOOD Recipe

 

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