The “healthiest” veggie may be one you’ve never tried.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is making the rounds for awarding watercress, a leafy green, a perfect 100% score on their scale of “powerhouse fruits and vegetables.”
Watercress is incredibly nutrient-dense, with a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in every bite. It has a peppery and almost bitter taste, which is why it’s probably not the most popular green. Not to mention that watercress is difficult to find in the local supermarket.
But its nutrition profile does make it worth seeking out for adding to smoothies or wilting into a warm salad. Let’s take a look at the reasons why watercress is one of the healthiest veggies in the world and simple ways to try it.
Watercress nutrition facts
The CDC used 100 grams of watercress in their research to assess the nutrient density of the food. One hundred grams (about 3 cups chopped) of watercress has:
- 11 calories
- 2 grams protein
- 0 grams fat
- 1 gram carbohydrates
- 1 gram fiber
- 43 mg vitamin C (48% daily value (DV))
- 160 ug vitamin A (18% DV)
- 250 ug vitamin K (208% DV)
The health benefits of watercress
There are two stand-out nutrients in watercress — vitamin C and vitamin K. Both are abundant in the leafy green and offer a variety of benefits. Vitamin C is obviously known for its immune function, but it also plays a role in collagen production, iron absorption, protein metabolism and antioxidant defense. Most people get enough vitamin C on a daily basis, but eating watercress is a great way to ensure you’re having plenty of this helpful vitamin.
Vitamin K is a lesser-known nutrient that has several vital roles within the body, including contributing to blood clotting and bone health. It’s most prevalent in leafy greens, and watercress is an excellent source of this vitamin.
These nutrients, along with the phytochemicals (plant compounds) in watercress make it beneficial for a variety of health conditions, such…
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