Friday, December 7, 2012

Health Benefits Of Watercress

Health Benefits of Watercress


Vegetables are well known for being powerhouses of the vitamins and minerals necessary for everyday life. Some vegetables, though, are more overlooked than others. Watercress is one example. This vegetable is related to cabbage and broccoli and packs just as many nutrients as its cousins.


Vision


Watercress has high levels of two specific carotenoids: zeaxanthin and lutein. These help fight off vision-impairing illnesses such as cataracts and macular degeneration.


Heart & Arteries


The luteins in watercress also help to prevent arterial damage and heart disease. It does this by preventing the formation of plaque on the arterial walls.


Cancer


Watercress contains nasturin, a unique type of phytochemical that is converted into PEITC in the body. PEITC has been found to inhibit the growth of a number of different kinds of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer.


Vitamins


Watcercress is high in vitamins A and C. These help to keep the body nourished and provide antioxidants that the body can use to fight off damaging free radicals.


Calories


Watercress is very low in calories, with only 4 per serving.







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