All my clients know I am mad about watercress; those peppery little leaves pack an amazing nutrient punch. It’s a bit of an acquired taste I know but absolutely worth it. Watercress is particularly good if you have ever smoked; it contains a specific compound that may protect against lung cancer, and like broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables it also seems to protect against other common cancers like breast and colon.
I am interested in its DNA repairing properties, especially for my clients with high sperm DNA fragmentation, and a recent study from the University of Ulster suggests that watercress helps to repair the DNA damage caused by intensive exercise. It also happens to be rich in other nutrients too like folic acid, vitamin C, beta-carotene and iron. Oh, and while on that subject, the non-haem iron in dark green leafy vegetables may help to reduce the symptoms of PMS, and for fertility, the beta-carotene is important for the ovaries.
Eat it in a salad with really good cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, sweet Romano red peppers, avocado and pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Stuff it into wholemeal pittas with hummus and grated carrot or soft creamy buffalo mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes, stick it in a quiche, or wilt it through a rich tomato sauce to have with pasta. It is better to have it raw but it does make a delicious soup, and if you are in the mood for a really hard core green smoothie blend a handful with celery and cucumber, it’s fantastic for the skin.
Always wash and spin it until it’s properly dry, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Watercress really is utterly wonderful………
