The positive properties of watercress became known in ancient times. A plant with a pungent taste and pleasant aroma was used not only in cooking, but also as a means to care for face skin and hair. Watercress is unpretentious in care, and it is easy to grow at home. By taste, the leaves of the plant resemble horseradish or radish.
Nutritional value and calorie content
Watercress has a high nutritional value and low calorie content. With a value of 32 kcal, the amount of protein in 100 grams is 2.6 g, fat - less than 1 g, and carbohydrates - 4.5 g. Almost 90% of the water is contained in a fresh watercress plant (photo).
The benefits and harms to the body are determined by its composition. Watercress contains vitamins A, C, E, PP and group B, as well as choline. There are a lot of macro- and microelements in it. These include calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, etc. The plant leaves contain saturated fatty acids and essential oils.
Watercress is widely used in cooking. It is added to fresh vegetable salads, cold soups, served as a side dish for fish and meat.
Useful properties of watercress
The rich chemical composition and high nutritional value are the determining factors that determine the health benefits of watercress. The leaves of the plant contain substances that prevent the appearance of cancer cells in the human body. To do this, it is recommended to eat fresh watercress daily. In addition, the substances in the composition of the plant:
- normalize the work of the intestines and digestive organs;
- help get rid of slagging and toxins;
- contribute to effective weight loss;
- increase concentration, improve memory and thinking;
- have a rejuvenating effect on the cells of the body inside and slow down the aging process of the skin;
- are the prevention of thyroid disease;
- positively affect the liver;
- contribute to improving vision and are the prevention of eye diseases;
- have a diuretic effect;
- normalize blood pressure;
- perform an antibacterial function;
- improve sleep and appetite;
- tone the body, improve mood and well-being.
Watercress, the harm and benefits of which are always taken into account when eating, has the qualities of an aphrodisiac. In women, the plant improves reproductive function, and in men, it increases the potency and level of testosterone in the blood.
Watercress: the harm and benefits of losing weight
The watercress contains dietary fiber. They play an important role in cleansing the body of toxins and toxins. This is the first step towards achieving ideal weight. The digestive organs work stably, the intestines are cleansed, there is no constipation, which means that excess weight will not last long.
But not only for this, losing weight people love watercress. Its benefits and harms are determined by a low calorie value. With daily use of lettuce, a slow but steady weight loss will occur. At the same time, a feeling of hunger also appears very briefly.
With all its usefulness for weight loss, watercress also helps to remove excess fluid from the body and get rid of edema. In turn, this has a positive effect on the figure and well-being.
Who is recommended watercress: health benefits and harms
The use of this green plant is highly recommended for people with diseases of the lungs and bladder, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, hypertension, anemia, acute respiratory viral infections and skin problems.
Watercress, the harm and benefits of which are directly related to its composition, should be included in a limited amount in the diet of pregnant and lactating women. It is not recommended to give plant leaves to children under three years of age.
Harm and contraindications
It has been proven that only fresh watercress has useful properties. The dried plant has no nutritional value and even starts to smell unpleasant. Its use in dry form is useless.
Among the contraindications to the use of salad, several of the most important can be distinguished.
- Watercress is not recommended for people with a tendency to allergic reactions. In this case, a rash and irritation may appear on the skin.
- Limit the use of lettuce leaves hypotonic, because the substances contained in the plant contribute to lowering pressure.
- Watercress, the harm and benefits of which are obvious to the digestive system, should not be included in the diet of people with gastritis, ulcers and other diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Watercress has the ability to absorb toxins. That is why you should not collect it along the route and the railway track. Compliance with the recommendations presented will help to avoid negative health effects and get only benefits for the body from salad.