Health Benefits of Watercress

Scientific name: Nasturtium officinale

Other name: Yellowcress

Part used: Leaves

Origins & Properties

Watercress is a rapidly growing, perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans.

Watercress has small, round leaves and edible stems that have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor. Its hollow stems float in water. The leaf structure is pinnately compound. Small, white, and green flowers are produced in clusters and are frequently visited by insects, especially hoverflies.

Common Uses

Watercress is commonly used as a green salad. It is also used as a garnish for meats and other dishes where a peppery or pungent flavor is desired.

Benefits

Hair: It promotes keratin’s production and favors growth
Skin: Helps stop and slows skin aging
Cardiovascular: Helps lower blood pressure
Eyes: Helps improve eye health
Immune system: Helps maintain a strong immune system: 100g of watercress contains more than half our recommended daily intake of Vitamin A