Watercress: The Miracle Food
Watercress is called Sai Yeong Choy in Cantonese; or 西洋菜 in Mandarin.
UK Scientists say watercress is the new super food, able to prevent certain types of cancer. According to a study published this week in The British Journal of Nutrition, the consumption of a three ounce portion of watercress reduced the presence of a key tumor growth factor six and eight hours after eating the watercress in healthy patients who had previously been treated for breast cancer. The study was conducted by the Cancer Research Center at the School of Medicine , Southampton General Hospital in the United Kingdom .
The study concluded watercress is as
therapeutic as traditional drug treatments with tamoxifen and herceptin,
commonly used chemotherapy drugs. The study also said that through regular
consumption, watercress "has the potential to confer valuable protection
against cancer in general." "Watercress has the ability to turn off
HIF1, a signal sent out by cells calling for blood supply," said noted
aging scientist Dr. Nicholas Perricone. When HIF1 becomes incorrectly
regulated, otherwise harmless precancerous clusters of cells have the
opportunity to grow to form invasive tumors.
"Scientists have been
looking for anti-angiogenesis agents for years because if we can turn off the
blood supply, we can kill the cancer," said Perricone. "And it
looks like watercress can do that." Another study published in The
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in February of 2007showed that, in addition to reducing
DNA damage, a daily dose of watercress increased the ability of cells to
further resist DNA damage that may be caused by free radicals.
In the study, 60
men and women, half of whom were smokers, consumed their usual diet plus 85
grams of raw watercress daily for eight weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for
plasma antioxidant status and DNA damage in lymphocytes, a type of white blood
cell. Watercress consumption significantly reduced lymphocyte DNA damage. In
the time of the Romans, Greeks and Persians watercress was used as a natural
medicine, prescribed for migraines, anemia, eczema, kidney and liver disorder
and tuberculosis.
So don’t' know what soup to cook for the family? Make it watercress soup once a week at least ya!
So don’t' know what soup to cook for the family? Make it watercress soup once a week at least ya!
Further Reading from Wikipedia:
Health benefits and cancer defense
Watercress contains significant amounts of iron, calcium and
folic acid, in addition to vitamins A and C. In some regions, watercress is
regarded as a weed, in other regions as an aquatic vegetable or herb.
Watercress crops grown in the presence of manure can be a haven for parasites
such as the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica.
Many benefits from eating watercress are claimed, such as
that it acts as a stimulant, a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants, a
diuretic, an expectorant, and a digestive aid.
It also appears to have antiangiogenic cancer-suppressing
properties; it is widely believed to help defend against lung cancer.
A 2010 study conducted by the University of Southampton
found that consumption of watercress may also inhibit the growth of breast
cancer.
The PEITC content of watercress inhibits HIF, which can inhibit
angiogenesis.
Due to its high iodine content, watercress has a
strengthening effect on the thyroid gland, thus it is beneficial for sufferers
of hypothyroidism.
In addition, watercress is a known inhibitor of the
cytochrome P450 CYP2E1, which may result in altered drug metabolism for
individuals on certain medications (e.g., chlorzoxazone).
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) of Watercress (raw)
Energy 11 kJ (2.6
kcal)
Carbohydrates 1.29
g
- Sugars 0.20
g
- Dietary fibre 0.5
g
Protein 2.30 g
Vitamin A equiv. 160
μg (20%)
- beta-carotene 1914
μg (18%)
- lutein and zeaxanthin 5767
μg
Folate (vit. B9) 9
μg (2%)
Vitamin C 43.0
mg (52%)
Iron 0.20 mg (2%)
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults.
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