"Gram for gram, watercress contains more vitamin C than oranges, is higher in calcium then milk, has more iron than spinach, and contains the same protein per calorie as chicken breasts."
Now here is a humble vegetable that has as rich a history as it has nutrition. The father of medicine, Hippocrates, located his first hospital by a stream so he could have a fresh supply of watercress on hand for treating the ills of his patients. The ancient Romans and Greeks believed watercress had the power to invoke wit, character and courage. Its fame continued into the Middle Ages, where they were convinced this river plant could prevent baldness, reduce toothaches and ensure a clean complexion. Today, research is beginning to reveal that there is some validity to ancient watercress wisdom.
The Healing Powers and Health Benefits of Watercress Juice
Protects Against Lung Cancer
Protects DNA From Oxidation
Protects From Eye Diseases
Watercress Juice Nutrition
Gram for gram, watercress contains more vitamin C than oranges, is higher in calcium then milk, has more iron than spinach, and contains the same protein per calorie as chicken breasts. And we just got started! It’s also a very good source of vitamin A, E, K, B6, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese; and a good source of folate, pantothenic acid and copper. The list of nutrients in watercress reads like a multivitamin pill, but the difference is the increased absorbability of eating living plant foods. More nutrients going into every cell means better value for your money and less flushed down the toilet.
Nutrition Facts
Watercress Juice is an excellent source of:
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B6
- Thiamin
- Riboflavin
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Chlorophyll
- Lutein
- Phenethyl Isothiocyanate
Watercress Juice is a good source of:
Phytochemicals & Antioxidants in Watercress Juice
The spicy bite of watercress adds more than just zing to your veggie juice; it is caused by a powerful phytochemical called phenethyl isothiocyanate, and is effective in combating a group of cancer-causing nitrosamines present in tobacco smoke. The biochemist Stephen Hecht, from the University of Minnesota, fed eleven smokers two ounces of watercress three times a day for three days. While on the watercress supplemented diet, the smokers excreted higher concentrations of tobacco-related toxins, demonstrating the effectiveness of phenethyl isothiocyanate’s ability to usher the toxins out of the body before they could cause ill effects.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently published research revealing that a daily serving of watercress reduces DNA damage to blood cells and enhances the ability of the cells to fight further damage to DNA caused by free radicals.
Watercress has an array of cancer-fighting antioxidants, including eye-protecting lutein and chlorophyll.
Preparing for Juicing
Rinse in sink, then push greens into hopper with a carrot, alternating with apple.
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Watercress Juice Tips
Because of its extremely low calories, when it comes to the high protein percent of watercress, you would have to do an enormous amount of chewing to get anything close to your recommended daily intake. But juicing is a whole other story. Adding lots of this nutrient-rich green to your juices will inject an additional bonus of clean-burning protein.
Picking Perfect Produce
Look for crisp, brightly colored green leaves. Remove any yellow leaves before refrigerating.
Storing Your Produce
Watercress is a delicate green, so should be juiced in a day or two. Will store in the fridge for two to three days.
Taste Combos
Known as a green with a bite, watercress will add some refreshing heat to your veggie juice. Start with small amounts and increase as your palate adjusts. You will start to crave the addition of this distinct zippy taste. When King Louis IX of France was served watercress on a hot sunny day, he was so impressed that he awarded the hospitable town with a coat of arms emblazoned with three bunches of watercress.