Watercress has been considered as a boon herb by many health experts. It has miraculous powers which can help in the treatment of many diseases. Let’s take a look at how to use this as part of a healthy meal.
A member of the cabbage family, watercress is regarded as one of the most nutritious vegetables. The fact that it’s beneficial for the body, makes a watercress an important ingredient in a balanced diet. This vegetable was first found in Asia and Europe, and is now cultivated in other continents, as well. Many leading medical institutions claim that a daily consumption of these salad leaves can help in preventing DNA damage that can cause cancer. You can find watercress along the banks of rivers and steady streams.
Simple Watercress Salad
Ingredients
- Soy sauce, 4 tsp.
- Rice vinegar, ½ cup
- Sweet onion (grated), 1 tbsp.
- Watercress, 3 cups
- Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp.
- Ripe avocados, 2
- Sugar, 1 tbsp.
- Gala apple (grated and peeled), 1 cup
Preparation
Combine the onion, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, in a bowl. Mix it up, until the sugar dissolves, and then pour the oil into it, and stir. Now, toss the watercress, apple, and avocado with this mixture. For the salad to taste better, serve it chilled.
Watercress Salad with Salmon
Ingredients
- Grapefruit (juiced), 1
- Olive oil, ½ cup
- Salmon fillets (skin removed), 6 oz.
- Bay leaves, 3
- Cucumber (thinly sliced), 2
- Sugar, 1 tbsp.
- Rice vinegar, ½ cup
- Kosher salt, ½ tsp.
- Trimmed watercress, 1 bunch
- Cooked white rice, 2 cups
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375 °F and then place the salmon in a glass baking dish. Fill it halfway with water and place the bay leave in it. Now, bake the fish for 15 minutes and let it come down to room temperature. In a separate bowl, combine the grapefruit, vinegar, salt, sugar, and oil. Now, into a resealable plastic bag, pour the juice mixture, adding the salmon fillets to it; refrigerate this for an hour. Once done, take the bag out and empty its contents into a serving bowl. Garnish it with the cucumber and watercress, after mixing the rice with it.
Watercress Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- Ripe lime (juiced),1
- A bunch of watercress, trimmed and coarsely chopped
- Heart of romaine (coarsely chopped), 1
- Sprigs of fresh mint (chopped), 4
- A handful of flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
- Extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp.
- Sugar, 1 tbsp.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation
In a salad bowl, mix the watercress, mint, parsley, and romaine. Now, for the dressing, pour the lime juice, sugar, and oil, into a separate bowl, and stir. Drizzle this over the salad and season it with the salt and pepper.
In a salad bowl, mix the watercress, mint, parsley, and romaine. Now, for the dressing, pour the lime juice, sugar, and oil, into a separate bowl, and stir. Drizzle this over the salad and season it with the salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts
- Consuming watercress helps to normalize blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in the body. It prevents erectile dysfunction, increases fertility in women, and enhances breast milk production.
- It has a high content of two types of carotenoids; lutein and zeaxanthin. It is also considered beneficial for the eyes.
- It helps in the removal of toxins by aiding a smooth digestion.
- People who suffer from gum problems should eat raw watercress, regularly.
- It is also a good solution to various skin problems. Health experts often recommend watercress for acne-prone skin, as it may offer a permanent solution due to its high nutritional content.
- Drinking watercress juice is recommended for people suffering from frequent drowsiness and muscle pain.
