Why watercress is useful for the human body
Watercress is an edible herb that is traditionally used in dietetics, cooking, cosmetology and medicine. It has a rich composition, which explains its beneficial effect on the body. Why watercress is useful and who should use it with caution - in detail in this article.
Biological description
Homeland of watercress Iran. In addition to this country, the plant is found naturally in Asian countries - from the Mediterranean Sea to Pakistan, grows in Ethiopia and Egypt, as well as in some regions of Russia. It is cultivated in almost all countries, since the grass is completely unpretentious in care.
Watercress has different names depending on where it grows. In Afghanistan it is called tertizak, in Armenia - kotem, Ukraine - watercress, and in Georgia the plant is known as tsitsmati.
In some laboratories, watercress is used to determine the quality of soil and air. The plant is a kind of biological indicator, since it is highly sensitive to nitrates, carbon monoxide and some heavy substances.
Recently, the popularity of this herb has increased. It has been found that watercress is especially beneficial for the elderly, patients with certain chronic diseases, and those who are interested in a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. Therefore, the plant is willingly grown in the beds and windowsills.
Types and varieties of watercress
There are types of watercress, which, in turn, are divided into different varieties. Each has its own characteristics that distinguish it from other varieties.
The most common types and varieties:
- sowing (Zabava, Dansky);
- curly (Curly, Azhur);
- plant with whole leaves (broadleaf, Ducat).
Zabava is ideal for growing at home throughout the year. Greens ripen very quickly. Already after 20-25 days, it can be added to food. This variety is especially suitable for meat dishes, since its taste resembles horseradish.
The Danish variety is rightfully considered one of the earliest ripening varieties. Ready for use in 8-10 days from the moment the first shoots appear. The variety can be grown in garden beds as it is resistant to cold weather. The taste is moderately sharp, spicy.
Curly belongs to medium early varieties. Plant height up to 23 cm. You can eat stems and leaves. Has a pleasant mustard taste. It is used for fresh salads, first courses, meat.
Variety Azhur is ready to eat one month after germination. The maximum plant height is 25 cm.Suitable for growing in open field, greenhouses and on the windowsill... The taste is spicy, mustard.
The broadleaf variety of watercress is of medium ripeness. Plants can be consumed no earlier than a month later. It develops rather quickly, reaching no more than 12 cm in height. The leaves are light green in color, the taste is quite spicy. They are added to meat and fish dishes, as well as salads.
Ducat is a very early maturing variety.From the appearance of the first shoots to the opportunity to eat it, no more than 2 weeks pass. This type of watercress tastes pungent, which gives the dish a spice.
Chemical composition
The composition of the herb is unique. It contains ingredients that are not found in other greens. Vitamins, minerals, and essential oils are found in large quantities in watercress. At the same time, the calorie content of the herb per 100 g is only 32 kcal, and the glycemic index, like any other greenery, is no more than 15 units.
The chemical composition of watercress is represented by the following beneficial elements:
- retinol (vitamin A);
- ascorbic acid;
- tocopherol (vitamin E);
- nicotinic acid;
- almost all B vitamins.
Of the minerals, the plant is rich in potassium, calcium, iodine, copper, iron, phosphorus and magnesium. This chemical composition determines the beneficial properties of watercress.
Why watercress is useful for the body
The beneficial qualities of this herb have been known since ancient times. Watercress tones the body, saturates it with vitamins and minerals, activates metabolic processes and has a positive effect on the immune system.
That is why watercress is useful for a weakened body, it is recommended to include it in food for the elderly and patients after a serious illness and surgery. The product is also important for athletes, as well as for those who are fond of physical activity, lead an active lifestyle. However, for the benefits to be obvious, it is recommended to include it in food regularly in moderation.
Useful properties of ciclate herb:
- gently cleanses from toxins, toxins and removes excess fluid from the body;
- improves the process of hematopoiesis;
- thanks to the B vitamins in the composition, it prevents the development of depression, eliminates nervous tension;
- activates tissue regeneration;
- supports the proper functioning of the thyroid gland;
- has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties;
- strengthens the heart and blood vessels;
- has a positive effect on digestion.
The use of watercress during pregnancy has a positive effect on the woman and the fetus. Fresh herbs prevent constipation by activating intestinal motility and relieve swelling by gently removing excess fluid from the body of a pregnant woman.
Watercress can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a healthcare professional before consuming the herb.
Contraindications
The use of watercress should be limited in case of hypotension, certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcers. The plant should be used with caution for people prone to allergies. In the child's menu, watercress can be introduced from the age of 3. At an earlier age, the stomach lining of children is not yet ready for this product.
Application
One of the areas of application of watercress is cooking. The herb can be added to various dishes where it is cooked, as well as consumed raw, sliced into salads. It is allowed to eat grass at any time of the day - there are no restrictions. But do not store the plant for a long time. It is best to use it immediately after it is cut. The shelf life of watercress in the refrigerator in a plastic container is no more than 2 days.
In addition to fresh salads, the plant is added to soups, some cold snacks, and second courses. The herb adds spice to gravies and sauces, thanks to its special taste and aroma.
Since fresh herbs contain up to 90% fiber, which has a positive effect on the digestive tract, they are actively used in their diet by those who are losing weight. The plant is low in calories, gently frees the body from excess fluid and toxins, and the vitamin and mineral composition helps to raise vitality and emotional state. All this has a positive effect on people who are struggling with excess weight.
Watercress has long established itself on the positive side in traditional medicine. Decoctions and herbal infusions are good for pneumonia, bronchitis, sore throat and severe cough. They are also useful for nervous disorders. Oil is made from the leaves and stems of watercress by mixing the powder of the dried parts of the herb with petroleum jelly. This composition helps with many diseases of the skin.
Despite all the positive characteristics of watercress, you should not start treatment without consulting your doctor. Uncontrolled use of the drug can lead to complications.
As for cosmetology, experts have noticed a positive effect of watercress on hair growth. In addition, the plant whitens well the pigmented areas of the skin on the face and body, refreshes and tones, copes well with excessive fat content. Cosmetologists recommend preparing your own tonics and masks from tsitsmata to prolong the youth and health of the skin.
Conclusion
Watercress is a unique plant because it has a rich composition, and it is not difficult to grow it on a plot or on a windowsill. The grass is propagated by seeds, which grow quickly and are ready to be eaten in a month. Watercress is widely used in other fields as well - folk medicine and cosmetology.