What vitamins are in watercress. Watercress: we will tell you all about the benefits, harms and uses of vegetable crops in various fields

Watercress is an annual or biennial, herbaceous plant from the Klopovnik family, widely used in cooking and medicine. Appearance lettuce is thin stem with lots of green leaves. The flowers of the plant can vary from white to pale purple.

Iran is considered the birthplace of watercress. Due to its taste and ease of cultivation, this vegetable is popular in almost every corner of the world. In Africa, a special variety of this vegetable was bred. It contains a large number of oil, which is used as an independent medicinal product, as well as in the cosmetic and medical industries.

Watercress - useful properties

Anticarcinogenic properties of watercress

Part this salad contains a substance (phytonutrient) that is effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer. A positive trend in terms of preventing and stopping cancer has been identified with a daily intake of 80 grams of watercress daily.

In the course of the following studies, the anticarcinogenic effect was also confirmed this plant, in a relationship stomach cancer and lung cancer.

colorectal cancer. Although studies have shown conflicting results, scientists have concluded that dietary intake of folic acid, which is found in watercress, is beneficial in preventing colon cancer.
Elimination of damage to the DNA of leukocytes

In relation to this statement, studies were conducted among smokers who were prescribed to eat 85 grams of fresh lettuce daily. In conclusion of this experiment, scientists confirmed that, in 22.9% of the subjects, cellular damage to the structure of white blood cells decreased. Also, when blood cells interacted with hydrogen peroxide, the harm was observed to be 9.4% lower than under normal conditions.

Cruciferous vegetables, like watercress, have a bitter taste. What is due to the phytochemical composition of these plants. In turn, the flavoids present in their composition stimulate the natural defense of body cells. The same study states that anticarcinogenic properties This vegetable is explained by the content of antioxidants in it, in particular lutein and beta-carotene, and during the experiment an increased amount of them was found in the blood of the study participants.

Watercress contains large quantity of this vitamin than an orange. This has a beneficial effect on the restoration of brain tissue, reduces the risk of damage to blood cells and helps prevent colds.

Other studies on the effects of vitamin C on the body have revealed its ability to improve vision and act as a prophylactic in the fight against cataracts.

Watercress, like other vegetables in the cruciferous and cabbage family, has a positive effect on thyroid health. In particular, they help reduce thyroid hormones. Raw watercress is most beneficial. It is also allowed to consume it in a slightly fried form.

Cardiovascular health

Beyond the rich vitamin composition watercress contains secondary metabolites. These organic substances help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Also, plants from the cruciferous family have a beneficial effect on lowering cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases(atherosclerosis and other chronic heart diseases). The high content of vitamin C in this plant helps to reduce damage to heart tissue, and is also actively involved in the formation of new cardiac myocyte cells, which helps improve heart health.
healthy bones

Daily consumption of foods containing a large amount of calcium, which include watercress, helps to reduce the occurrence of diseases associated with the condition of the bones. By increasing the production of osteoblasts and cells responsible for the "repair" and strengthening of bones, with daily use vegetables from the cruciferous family, the risk of a disease such as osteoporosis is significantly reduced. Also, this salad is a rich source of folic acid, which improves digestibility. useful substances for and contributes to the maintenance of normal bone density.
Natural source of folic acid

Folic acid plays a very important role in the daily maintenance of the overall health of the body, as well as in the prevention of many diseases. Watercress is a source of folic acid for the health of the body. Daily consumption of this product helps to cope with diseases such as: depression, stroke, breast and colon cancer, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and neural tube defects in children.
natural antidepressant

The content of folic acid in the body affects the general mood of a person. Its low level can cause a decrease in appetite or excess consumption alcohol, which in turn can lead to depression. An analysis of 19 studies involving 15,315 participants found that low folic acid levels increase the risk of depression. Folic acid is involved in the body's production of a neurotransmitter serotonin, which is often called "harmonica Have a good mood» .
Stroke prevention

Studies in which 662 adults took part revealed a beneficial effect in the consumption of foods high in folic acid in the prevention of stroke. In this regard, it is recommended to include watercress in the diet for people at risk of stroke.
healthy pregnancy

Folic acid has importance for the development of a healthy embryo, as it plays an important role in normal cell division. A daily intake of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid in pregnant women is indicated for the normal development of the neural tube of the fetus. Watercress, with its high folic acid content, may help reduce the risk of such conditions during pregnancy.

Watercress(or bedbug) is an incredibly tasty and nutritious plant that has a lot of useful properties that have a beneficial effect on the body. It is used in food, decorating them with various dishes. This plant is familiar to many as fresh and fragrant greens which goes well with the vitamin salads. This crop is also used in therapeutic purposes, because it helps to get rid of many unpleasant diseases and significantly strengthens the body.

Useful and medicinal properties of watercress (bugs)

In medicine, watercress is recommended if there are symptoms of poor digestion, insomnia, decreased appetite. All these troubles arise against the background of insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. Due to the fact that the plant contains an impressive list of biologically active components, its use helps to relieve general fatigue, restore tone, and also avoid depression and stress. Significant amount vitamin C makes watercress an excellent antiscorbutic.

Watercress is used for edema, ailments respiratory tract And with hypertension. The juice of the plant is used to gargle in the throat to relieve coughs, and also treats anemia with its help. Traditional medicine recommends using beneficial features plants to improve digestion, stimulation brain activity and improvement of reproductive functions.

Other health benefits of watercress include:

normalization of blood composition;
removal of toxins from the body;
speedy healing of wounds and burns;
help with cholelithiasis;
normalization of blood pressure;
means for the prevention of prostatitis;
prevention of eye diseases;
reduction in the occurrence of cancer;
relieving joint pain.

Such extensive opportunities that simple watercress has have a positive effect on general condition body, allowing slow down the aging process. No wonder doctors recommend using the leaves of this plant for women over 45 years old. Regular consumption of watercress will help you look fresh and young.

Watercress is used in cosmetology and is indispensable component many life-giving face masks. Based on it, preparations are prepared that improve the condition of the skin, helping to get rid of wrinkles and oily sheen. In order for such a mask to work 100% effectively, it must first be washed off with warm, then cold water.

Chemical composition

Watercress - available source biologically active substances vital for the normal development of the organism. This unpretentious greenery has low calorie(32 kcal / 100g), so doctors advise adding it to any dish without worrying about the figure.

Energy value:

Fresh leaves contain the highest concentration beneficial vitamins, while in dried raw materials they are much less.

The beneficial composition of watercress is supported by various minerals, and their combination with vitamins is very successful.

Minerals	Quantity in 100 g/mg
	81
	38
	606
Phosphorus	76
	1,3
	0,23
	170 mcg
Manganese	0,553

The plant is so unpretentious that it can be grown at home and consumed at any time of the year. Doctors also recommend eating sprouted lettuce seeds, as they contain the highest concentration of nutrients.

Benefits of watercress for weight loss

It has been proven that eating watercress leads to weight loss. This plant is 90% water, and also contains useful fiber. Therefore, the product can be eaten in unlimited quantities, without worrying that its use will affect the figure. Young lettuce leaves improve digestion, normalize bowel function, remove from the body excess water, slags and toxins. All this contributes healthy weight loss and getting rid of extra pounds that will never come back if you eat right.

The value of watercress diet food explained vitamin and mineral composition. In nature, there are not many plants that can offer the same vast amount of nutrients. Thanks to such support, any diet goes smoothly, since the presence of biologically active substances contributes to the normalization of the body and nervous system.

How to eat watercress

Watercress can be eaten fresh, dried, as an ointment, juice, compress or infusion. To taste, the leaves resemble a burning mixture, radish and garlic. However, doctors recommend adding it to dishes exclusively fresh, and not dried. The sooner the leaves are plucked, the more useful substances they will contain.

It is most useful to add this plant to salads, seasoning them, since it is fat-soluble vitamin A will be better absorbed by the body. Young shoots also perfectly emphasize the taste of cheeses, cottage cheese, cold soups and sauces. No wonder the French love to add this herb to their delicious and light dishes, sprinkling it on omelettes, meat and cereals. Such seemingly ordinary greens can turn any product into a delicacy.

Watercress goes well with. First of all, it is important to pay attention to the color of the leaves. They should be bright green and elastic. You should not buy greens with yellow and brown spots, as well as with traces of cuts. Best buy for this plant. entirely uncut.

You can also find lettuce seeds for sale and grow them at home. Sprouts appear in a week and are completely ready for use.

How to use the product

Although watercress in most cases is not harmful to health, you should still limit its use. It is advisable not to exceed daily allowancein 100 g, children - 50 g.

Features of watercress storage

Freshly picked leaves should be eaten immediately, but if the greens remain, then it must be removed in plastic container and place in the refrigerator. Watercress should not be stored for more than two days, otherwise the leaves will lose their beneficial properties and spicy aroma.

Harm and contraindications

Watercress has pronounced allergenic effect, especially if you exceed the consumption rate. In addition, this product is not recommended for people with increased urination, low blood pressure, gastritis, colitis and duodenitis. Abuse of greens also causes insomnia and migraines.

Even Hippocrates recommended watercress to his patients. Nowadays, every year there are new, more and more valuable useful of this plant. IN Lately scientists say that watercress significantly helps in preventing cancer, restores damaged liver cells, and also stimulates brain activity. It becomes clear that the use of this plant brings many benefits. What dishes do you prefer to add these greens to?

Watercress is presented as an annual herbaceous plant, whose height reaches 50 centimeters during the period of maximum growth, but the plant does not always succeed in reaching such a height, since it is eaten in a very young state. The uniqueness of culture is due to its popularity in seemingly different areas - cooking, gardening, cosmetology. There is no need for special care, often cress is grown on the windowsill just in water or in a small pot. Neighborhood with any other plant is not burdensome for him. It is customary to add culture to food only in its raw form, since dried watercress loses its beneficial properties and smells bad.

According to gourmets, this plant will turn any dish into a real work of art. It is customary to add green sprouts to cold soups and salads. Also this excellent seasoning to sausages, cheese, meat and fish dishes. One of the most successful combinations is with scrambled eggs, potatoes or scrambled eggs.

Compound

The benefits and harms of the plant in question are due nutritional value. The BJU ratio is 2.6 / 0.7 / 4.4 g with a calorie content of 32 kcal. Also included are the following elements:

dietary fiber and ash;
mono and disaccharides;
water and saturated fatty acids.

Among the vitamins in watercress, it is worth highlighting B1, B2, B5, B6 and B9, vitamin PP, E, K, C, as well as holit, beta-carotene, vitamin A. Culture and minerals, including calcium and magnesium, sodium and potassium, phosphorus and iron, zinc and copper, manganese and selenium.

The benefits and properties of watercress

The benefits of watercress are due to valuable properties of this plant. Regular use of it will allow you to turn many aspects of the body's work for the better.

Normalization blood pressure, removal of toxins, regulation of digestion and improvement of appetite.
Antioxidant properties, improvement of sleep and removal of a depressive state are expressed.
Anti-inflammatory and strengthening effect is combined with anti-sclerotic, wound healing, soothing, expectorant and diuretic.
Prevention eye diseases, preventing the appearance of neoplasms.
Treatment oncological diseases and prostatitis should include the use of watercress as aid. Watercress is important to use in the form alcohol tincture or as unripe seeds to increase sexual activity.
IN traditional medicine lettuce leaves are used to treat skin diseases, burns, ulcers and wounds, to eliminate joint pain, treatment, cholelithiasis, persistent cough or bronchitis.
The use of this culture significantly reduces the risk of developing leukemia.
IN medical purposes dried and fresh plants are used, as well as tinctures, decoctions and oils. For getting therapeutic effect daily it is recommended to consume 2 tablespoons of juice or eat such fat 3-4 times a day on a regular basis.
fresh greens, crushed into gruel, is used to treat ulcers and acne.
Fresh juice effectively eliminates dandruff, and baths with this ingredient help get rid of dermatological diseases.
The combination of compresses with ingestion is relevant for skin peeling, redness, prostatitis, mastopathy and edema.
Instead of mustard, you can use watercress seed powder when making mustard for colds.
Prevention of the development of endocrine diseases and maintenance of normal thyroid activity due to high content iodine.
Acceleration of weight loss during the diet, provided that watercress is combined with freshly squeezed juices. This culture is able to relieve the feeling of hunger by compensating for the lack of important trace elements.
Regular consumption of young greens helps prevent the development of periodontal disease and other diseases. oral cavity. Greens can be replaced with germinated seeds.

Seed oil and herb ointment are applied externally. To prepare the oil at home, it is enough to insist the seeds on traditional vegetable oil, which should be twice as much in proportion as the seeds. The ointment is prepared from the roots and leaves of the plant, ground into powder, then 3 parts of vaseline or fat are added to one part of the mixture. Before use, both products must be kept in a warm place for a week.

Decoctions and infusions can replace juices. To prepare the infusion, it is enough to pour 2 tablespoons of dry or 3 tablespoons of fresh leaves with a glass of boiling water. You can use the infusion after it has been kept in a warm place for 2-3 hours. To prepare a decoction, it is necessary to boil the ingredients in similar proportions for 5 minutes, cool and take a third of a glass before eating. Before going to bed, this remedy can be used for anxiety or insomnia. For decreasing destructive impact stress and improve the quality of sleep, it is enough to consume the plant in question daily as part of a meal. For the treatment of severe cough or bronchitis, it is necessary to drink the infusion hot a couple of times a day.

Watercress in cosmetology

In the field of cosmetology, it is important to use oil, juice and directly fresh greens of the culture in question. All this allows you to significantly refresh and cleanse the skin, as well as improve the condition of the hair. During treatment problematic skin cosmetics with such an ingredient are especially valuable. In professional beauty salons, watercress is often used in combination with other herbal ingredients for the preparation of a cleansing serum.

Homemade mask recipes

A little patience is the main condition for preparing watercress-based cosmetics at home.

To cleanse oily skin, cut watercress leaves, pour water and simmer for 5 minutes, then cool and apply on face for 5 minutes.
For a similar purpose, you can use a mask of a teaspoon of honey, egg white and 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves.
For normal skin, mash 8-10 leaves, add 5-10 drops of lemon and a teaspoon olive oil. Keep the mask for 10 minutes and wash off with a contrast wash.
A mixture of curdled milk and gruel of leaves in equal proportions helps to improve complexion and smooth out fine wrinkles. After applying the mask for 10 minutes, you need to wash your face and wipe your face with an ice cube.
Watercress with cream relieves flaking and soothes the skin. The ingredients must be mixed to a slurry state and applied for 15 minutes. Wash off in the same way.

Watercress does not cause any harm, except in cases of allergic reactions due to individual intolerance.

Watercress in cooking

In addition to the previously described combinations, it is worth mentioning the exotic way of preparing watercress by vegetarians. It is blanched and cooked with sugar and wine, adding oil dressing. No less successful stews, sandwiches and cottage cheese casseroles. In addition to the benefits in this case, the decorative properties plants. Fresh herbs will harmoniously complement traditional salad from unremarkable cabbage, cucumbers and onion rings. Finely chopped basil and parsley must also be added to such a dish, and sour cream or olive oil can be used as a dressing.

To prepare a dish that is no less healthy for the body with pumpkin seeds and watercress, beat a spoonful of olive oil with the juice of half a lemon, add 3 grated carrots and a bunch of watercress. The top of the dish is sprinkled with two grated boiled eggs, pumpkin seeds fried in a frying pan with honey.

By planting seeds every 15 days, you can get the opportunity to consume vitamins all year round due to the rapid growth of leaves.

Watercress, bed bug, water or garden cress, capuchin cress, watercress, horseradish, peppercorn - these names have the same inconspicuous and unpretentious plant. It has been known since ancient times: it was served as a spice to the Egyptian pharaohs and Roman patricians. Watercress received its second birth and fame in the Middle Ages - it was very favored in England and Germany. And since then, thanks not only to the benefits, but also original taste, he is gaining more and more territories and fans.

Calories, vitamins and minerals

With a low calorie content (about 30 kcal per 100 g), watercress contains many substances that a person needs.

Did you know?for growth you don’t even need soil - just sow it in moist cotton wool, and in two weeks you will get excellent shoots.

It consists of:

water (90%);
cellulose;
complex carbohydrates;
proteins;
fats;
carotene;
thiamine;
riboflavin;
vitamins - A, C, E, K, PP, D, group B;
folic acid;
ascorbic acid;
calcium;
potassium;
selenium;
manganese;
copper;
phosphorus;
iron;
magnesium;
zinc;
essential oils.

Beneficial features

Watercress has a number of benefits.
In particular:

replenishes iodine reserves, normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland;
stabilizes the composition of the blood and prevents its diseases;
prevents diseases of teeth and bones;
improves functioning gastrointestinal tract and excretory system;
reduces weight;
is an expectorant for colds;
normalizes the work of the heart and of cardio-vascular system;
improves appetite and sleep;
relieves depression;
has a pronounced diuretic effect;
heals wounds and burns;
cures skin diseases;
known as an antioxidant.

For women

It is difficult to find another, so rejuvenating remedy. The beautiful half of humanity can use it as part of:

Masks for moisturizing, whitening and nourishing the skin of the face. You can use the plant on its own, but the effect will be brighter if you combine it with honey, lemon or oils (olive, sunflower, essential).
Ice cubes frozen with lettuce. They are used to get rid of small facial wrinkles, acne, to normalize the sebaceous glands.
Remedies for dandruff.
Dishes daily diet: Since watercress is rich in water and fiber, it can be eaten in unlimited quantities. It removes excess fluid, toxins and toxins from the body, improving well-being and appearance.

Watercress is also able to cure skin diseases.

For men

For the representatives of the stronger sex, watercress will also not be useless. It provides:

restoration of male power;
treatment of prostatitis;
increased sexual desire.

Important! Pregnant women should also not ignore this spice, which will help get rid of excess fluid and constipation, as well as improve peristalsis.

The plant can be eaten with salad, as an alcoholic tincture, or as unripe seeds. The latter is recommended for weakening sexual desire.

Smokers should be grateful too natural remedy, which contributes to the removal of thick viscous sputum from the bronchi and the protection of their weakened cardiovascular system.

Contraindications and harm

Like any plant, watercress has a number of contraindications. This spice is contraindicated in people:

allergy sufferers: this plant is one of the most strong allergens, therefore, for such people, its use should be limited, if not excluded;
having consistently low blood pressure - hypotension; with a passion for this greenery, pressure can drop to dangerous limits;
having no sense of proportion - with regular and overuse Headaches, insomnia, or even migraines may occur.

Can't say what it is special harm or a contraindication, but this inhabitant of the summer garden can cause such inconvenience as frequent urination.

What to cook and what to eat

In addition to the health benefits of watercress, its use in cooking is more than extensive. With this plant you can cook:

salads;
sauces;
soups;
bread;
cream soups;
pies;
seafood, meat and fish dishes;
rolls;
sandwiches;
stuffed eggs;
vegetable casseroles;
grilled vegetables;
smoothies;
green smoothies.

Video: what to cook and what to eat watercress with As a savory addition to various dishes watercress is used both fresh and dried or stewed.

It is indispensable in sauces, salads, cold soups, as a topping on scrambled eggs or scrambled eggs.
It unobtrusively emphasizes the taste of cheese, cottage cheese, meat or fish dishes.
It goes well with fruits and citrus fruits - oranges, apples, pears, apricots.
Compatible with nuts fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes or eggplants.

Important! Watercress should be picked from the garden, not cut. This helps preserve its flavor.

Application

Watercress is used in different types and for different purposes, and it is acceptable for almost all age categories.

In cosmetology

This useful plant used to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, which immediately improves the appearance.
Masks, which include it, smooth wrinkles, moisturize the skin and make it matte.

For oily skin: 1 st. mix a spoonful of crushed leaves with 1 teaspoon of honey and one egg white. Apply to face for 15 minutes, then rinse first with warm and then cool water.
Whitening mask for normal skin: 1 st. mix a spoonful of watercress leaves with 1 teaspoon of any vegetable oil, add 2-5 drops of lemon juice. Apply to face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
To improve complexion: add to chopped watercress spoiled milk in a ratio of 1:1. The mixture is applied for 10 minutes, then washed off.

In folk medicine

The most popular watercress in folk medicine. It can help you get rid of:

For healing, it is applicable in the form of freshly squeezed juice, ointment, tincture or compress.

Improving digestion: Pour 25 g of crushed leaves with boiling water (250 ml), let it brew, strain. Accept by dessert spoon 3 times a day before meals.
Anti-dandruff: squeeze the juice, apply it on the scalp. Repeat 2 times a day - morning and evening.
From diseases of the scalp: chop freshly picked and washed leaves, mix with ghee(ratio 1:5), apply to the affected areas. Repeat the procedure many times - as the ointment is absorbed.
For wound healing: apply the composition 2-3 times a day. You can apply a gauze bandage.
Bronchitis, coughing fits: 3 art. pour a glass of boiling water over tablespoons of the crushed plant, leave for 1-2 hours. Then strain the infusion and drink warm, 2 tbsp. spoons 2-3 times a day before meals.
Periodontitis, other gum diseases: unripe watercress seeds or fresh leaves eat a little daily.
Mastopathy: 1 st. put a spoonful of chopped watercress on seals in the chest for 2-3 hours; it is best to do a compress at night.

Did you know?From the oil produced from thes-salad, soap is brewed in Ethiopia. This oil is also used for lighting rooms.

People who, for various reasons, cannot eat dairy products can successfully replace them with watercress - they are provided with a source of calcium. This is especially true for those suffering from osteoporosis.
Now you know about the benefits and variety of applications of this spice, which is still exotic in our area. The advantages of this plant include unpretentiousness, the possibility of growing not only in the garden, but also on the balcony, the large number of varieties, the speed of cultivation. Considering the desire of many people to lead healthy lifestyle life and, in particular, nutrition, then watercress has every chance of becoming popular.

Good day to all who have looked at our pages! According to botanists, watercress is an herb related to the cruciferous family. We consider it a plant that is very easy to grow, and at any time of the year and in any place, not even necessarily in the garden. This is the one the most useful greens which can always be at hand. But why is it valuable or, perhaps, harmful?

So, watercress salad - benefits and harms.

Substances in the composition

The plant has gained fame since the time of Hippocrates, when its beneficial properties were described in the chronicles. Ancient Greece and Rome. For example, oil from its seeds improved libido in both men and women. In Europe, they learned about grass in the Middle Ages.

There are several varieties of it:

curly - her leaves are heavily cut and she is very a short time matures;
whole-leaved - larger in size, but later, unlike the first, it becomes edible;
sowing - also early ripening and is distinguished by large and slightly dissected foliage.

The color of the plant is from yellow-green to slightly gray. He fell in love with a special taste that combines spice, bitterness and spiciness.

Now consider what this interesting plant consists of:

Carotene and vitamins A, C, E, K, D, PP and group B.
Phosphorus with calcium, magnesium with iron and iodine are the mineral elements.
Sugar and carbohydrates.
Essential oils.
Glycoside propsoline with alkaloid lepidin.
Fatty oil and flavonoids.

All these substances are present in any kind of watercress, with only minor differences, so each will fill the body with a useful composition.

What is the use

The calorie content of the plant is only 32 Kcal per 100 g, which allows you to use the product for everyone who wants to lose weight. excess weight. It also has the following important qualities for the body:

the plant relieves the symptoms of poor digestion, eliminates insomnia and improves appetite;
with its regular use, general fatigue disappears and tone returns, and the herb also prevents the onset of depressive conditions;
a lot of vitamin C in the composition gives it an antiscorbutic effect;
the herb is effective for puffiness, hypertension and respiratory diseases;
fresh juice relieves cough and anemia;
medicinal properties apply to reproductive function, significantly improving it, and stimulating brain activity;
the ability of herbs to normalize blood composition, remove toxins from the body, heal wounds and burns, prevent eye diseases, reduce the risk of developing oncology and relieve joint pain are also useful for human health;
The phytonutrient in watercress has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of oncology. For the appearance of dynamics, you will need to eat at least 80 g of the product daily;
In the course of studies conducted on smokers, it was concluded that when regular use herbs 85 g reduced damage to white blood cells;
the product has a positive effect on the thyroid gland, reducing the production of hormones;
including this herb in your diet every day, you will protect the body from the development of osteoporosis by strengthening bones and maintaining their normal density;
due to the presence of secondary metabolites in the composition of the plant, the risk of many chronic ailments, including cardiac and vascular diseases, is reduced;
the product also has a beneficial effect on people who are more susceptible to strokes due to various factors;
the development of a healthy baby in the womb of the mother is facilitated by folic acid, which is in the plant;
scientists have proven the benefits of watercress for children with asthma - it alleviates the symptoms of the disease, cleans the bronchi, helps to breathe easier, prevents coughing and choking.

All this has a positive effect on the whole body, including slowing down the aging process. Even doctors recommend that women over 45 regularly use this product to look fresher and younger.

The positive properties of watercress extend to the field of cosmetology, using it in the preparation of various face masks.

Methods of use

The plant is used as fresh, as well as in dried. Juices, compresses, ointments and infusions are made from it for external and internal use. But still maximum benefit has fresh watercress rather than dried. And the earlier the leaves were plucked, the more useful elements they will contain.

Culinary use

Most the best option applications in cooking is the addition to fresh salads using olive oil for dressing.

The plant, based on the reviews and opinions of culinary experts, goes well with cheeses, cottage cheese, cold soups and sauces. The French, for example, love herbs in omelettes, cereals and meat dishes.

Watercress salad can be consumed with legumes, fruits (pears and apples, apricots and oranges) and vegetables (eggplants and cucumbers).

An important point - it is best not to cut the grass for eating, but to tear it with your hands, which will save maximum amount ingredients necessary for the body.

The video will tell about the best way planting watercress:

Smart selection and storage

If you do not grow grass yourself, but purchase it at retail outlets, then when choosing, pay attention to the juicy dark green color of the foliage. Do not take a plant in the presence of yellowness and signs of wilting.

And, despite the availability and ability to grow watercress all year round, it is still preferable to purchase it from April to September.

Lettuce is prone to rapid deterioration, which will not allow it to be stored even for a couple of days - it is advisable to use it immediately after purchase or cutting. You can increase this period by placing the grass in plastic bag, and then in the refrigerator or put in a glass of water, covered with polyethylene and also put in the refrigerator.

About cultivation

In order to grow watercress, any soil located in a moist and slightly dark place will do. If the plant receives a lot of sun, then it will be taller with rough and small foliage.

The constant presence of lettuce on the table can be achieved by regularly sowing seeds every 2-3 weeks, which will allow you to enjoy the taste, aroma and benefits of the plant every day throughout the year.

How to sow

It will first be necessary to soak the seeds for 12 hours, after which they can be planted in the prepared soil 0.5 cm deep.

Grass care is simple - when the seedlings go, thin them out regularly, and loosen and water the ground.

Grass is used as food when growing in height by 8-10 cm.

Seeds are collected after the pods turn yellow, storing them in paper bags.

When not to eat watercress

There are no strict contraindications to the use of watercress, but with caution this should be approached with the following health problems:

Individual intolerance to components and allergies.
Gastritis, colitis and stomach ulcers.
The presence of kidney stones.
Excess gas and diarrhea.

There is an opinion about possible harm plants for people suffering from frequent urination.

And do not eat the product excessively, as overeating can lead to problems in the digestive system.

That's about such an accessible to everyone and interesting plant as watercress salad is now known to almost everything. To use it or not, it is up to each individual, but the main thing is to observe the measure.

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