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Did you know that this super-healthy vegetable contains more iron than spinach and more vitamin C than lemon or orange?
In addition, it is full of other beneficial substances and has an almost endless list of positive and healing effects on our body.
However, by some oversight it was almost completely forgotten for whole generations. Although it originates from Eurasia, today it is spread to almost every corner of the world.
What watercress can do
A recent study concluded that watercress is probably the healthiest vegetable on the planet.
Now you’re probably asking why?
For example, because it reduces oxidative stress in the body extremely well and increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
Among its other internal effects are the following:
- cleans the blood and blood vessels
- increases energy levels
- stimulates appetite
- cleanses the body of toxins
Watercress juice is also very suitable for skin problems. It treats, for example, the following skin conditions:
- acne
- eczema
- rashes
- hair loss
- sunburn
The only thing you need to do is juice the watercress and then apply the juice to the affected areas.
To strengthen the effect, you can also make watercress poultices, either from the juice or from crushed leaves.
How to take watercress internally
Watercress should always be consumed fresh, because only then are all its medicinal components available.
The best is to drink its juice, which is mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 5 (1 part watercress juice and 5 parts water). Of course, it can also be consumed directly, for example as leaves in a salad.
However, do not drink watercress juice every day, but every other day, to give your body enough time for gradual detoxification.
Never drink its juice undiluted, but diluted. It is so strong that it could theoretically irritate the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Also, when applying to the skin, rather dilute it with water in a 1: 1 ratio.
The effect of watercress on cancer and heart diseases
Several recent studies have revealed the effects of watercress on stopping tumor growth and the spread of metastases.
It has proven to be especially effective in breast cancer .
Experts say that watercress is also very effective in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases such as high cholesterol or hardening of the arteries.
It is also recommended that smokers eat watercress salad at least occasionally, because it can very well prevent the harmful effects of smoking.
How to prepare a watercress salad
First, wash the watercress leaves well in water. Then put them in water with added salt and vinegar. Let them sit there for about 1 hour.
Then mix the leaves with chopped garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Add a little salt and pepper.
According to preference you can also add other optional types of vegetables such as onion or tomatoes.
Before consuming, let the salad prepared this way rest another 3 hours in the refrigerator.
How to make a watercress compress for the skin
Chop the watercress leaves into small pieces and crush them in a stone bowl to release their liquid.
Before applying them to the skin, first disinfect the affected area with alcohol. Then apply the crushed watercress leaves to it, wrap with a bandage and secure with adhesive tape.
Leave the compress on for 2 to 4 hours.
Finally, remove the compress and rinse your skin with cold water.
