Watercress isn't the first leafy green that springs to mind when thinking about leafy greens. In fact, it's frequently neglected and undervalued—but that's something we're here to change. Let us introduce you to watercress if you haven't heard of it before. It's a green that has small, round leaves with a stem that almost looks like miniature spinach.
It has a strong flavour that may take some getting accustomed to, but the zingy taste can be very pleasurable if you learn how to balance it with other components. Basically, it's a vegetable that you should include in your diet, whether it's vegetarian or not. Continue reading to discover more about watercress, including what it is, why it is healthy, and how to prepare it.
What Is Watercress?
Watercress, like kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, is a tiny leafy green vegetable with thick stems that belongs to the cruciferous family. It has a flavour that is most comparable to arugula, with peppery overtones that provide a wonderful contrast to any meal, especially those that are more acidic.
Watercress may be eaten raw or cooked and is commonly used as a salad green or garnish. But it's so much more than a colourful garnish: Watercress is nutrient-dense, which means it has a lot of vitamins and minerals for its calories.
Health Benefits Of Watercress
Watercress, like other leafy greens, is high in nutrients. Here are some of the advantages of using watercress in your diet:
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Rich In Vitamin k
One cup of watercress has more than 100 percent of the daily vitamin K requirement. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in bone and blood clotting health.
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Helps In Collagen Production
Watercress is also high in vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen formation. Collagen production influences not just the health of our hair, skin, and nails, but also the strength of our joints.
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High In Antioxidants
Antioxidants aid in the protection of cells from free radical damage. Both our cells and our DNA can be harmed by free radicals.
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Nutrient-Dense Vegetable
Watercress was named the most nutrient-dense produce on the market in 2014, and it hasn't been beaten since.
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Boosts Immunity
Watercress' strong vitamin C content may aid enhance your body's natural immune function by neutralising infections and stimulating lymphocyte replication.
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Beneficial In Pregnancy
Watercress is a healthy nutritional choice for expectant mothers since it contains folate (vitamin B9).
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Support Healthy Skin
Watercress is high in beta-carotene, a nutrient that has been shown in studies to enhance skin health, particularly smoother skin and suppleness.
How To Use Watercress
You may use watercress in smoothies and soups in addition to eating it fresh in salads and sandwiches. If you're not sure about the peppery flavour in a salad, combine it with other greens and vegetables. Watercress may also be easily disguised and blended into recipes, such as this watercress, broccoli, and roasted garlic pesto.
Watercress can also be prepared in a variety of ways. Add a handful to your favourite soup or use it as a basis when you're feeling under the weather. You can also make a slaw out of it for a delicious lunch or supper side dish. Watercress may be prepared in the same way as any other green vegetable: sautéing, steaming, or baking it, or just putting some into your morning omelette.
Bottom Line
Watercress is definitely worth trying if you haven't before. It would be a pity to leave this leafy green out of your diet because it is so densely packed with nutrients. The peppery flavour goes well with other ingredients, and it's simple to include the healthful vegetable into any main or side meal.
