Nasturtium officinale/Watercress, known officially as Nasturtium officinale, belongs to the Brassicaceae family of plants. Kale, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, and arugula also belong to this group and are botanical cousins of watercress.Watercress is an aquatic vegetable that’s known for its zippy flavor. It’s found in many water sources from Europe to Asia and has made its way into many types of cuisine. Watercress is considered an invasive species in the U.S., which means that eating it is not only good for your health, it’s good for the environment. Watercress is used for swollen breathing passages in the lung, coughs, bronchitis, flu, and swine flu. Other uses include treating baldness, constipation, parasitic worms, cancer, goiter, polyps, scurvy, and tuberculosis. Watercress is also used to improve appetite and digestion, to enhance sexual arousal, to kill germs, and as a “Spring tonic.” Women sometimes use it to cause an abortion.

Other Name(s):

Agriao, Berro, Berro di Agua, Berros, Brunnenkresse, Crescione di Fonte, Cresson, Cresson au Poulet, Cresson d’eau, Cresson de Fontaine, Cresson de Ruisseau, Cresson Officinal, Indian Cress, Jal-Halim, Mizu-Garashi, Nasilord, Nasturtii Herba, Nasturtium officinale, Oranda-Garashi, Radicula nasturtium, Rorippa nasturtium, Scurvy Grass, Sisymbrium nasturtium, Selada-Air, Tall Nasturtium, Wasserkresse, Waterkres.

Nasturtium officinale referred to as Watercress, is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant. Watercress is genetically and closely related to mustard plants sharing their pungent and peppery flavor. Nasturtium officinale, which is widely used as a vegetable, is a species of Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton, native to Western Asia, Europe, India, and Africa. Other common names of Watercress include Common cress and Garden cress. This perennial plant can reach a height of 16 inches (41 cm). The white flowers are only 3 to 5 mm in length which has four petals. This herb is cultivated for its stems and leaves which are used in salads as well as garnishing. It could be found in cold clumps and freshwater. Watercress is loaded with various antioxidant and anticancer properties as well as minerals and vitamins. Various varieties of watercress are Garden cress, Korean Watercress, Nasturtium, Upland cress, Cuckoo flower, and Winter cress.

Watercress Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Nasturtium officinale

History

Native to Western Asia, Europe, India, and Africa, today it is widely distributed around the whole world. It is introduced to South and North America, Australia, Southern Africa, and New Zealand. As it was introduced to Canada and United States, it is found in every state and province. Watercress is common in Pacific Northwest and also found in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.

It is considered as the old plant from the times of the Greeks and Romans. Greeks used Watercress to maintain a healthy liver and as a blood cleanser. Watercress was used since the 1^st century as a therapeutic herb. It was provided to the children for development and to treat psychological illness. Within the 1800s, it became popular as a common tea in Southern England.

Romans used Watercress for their peppery taste in the salads where only vinegar and oil were added to enhance its flavor. As it provides zing or life to the salads, Watercress is known everywhere. Reportedly, Watercress was originally cultivated by Nicholas Messier all over the 16^th century in Germany.

In the nineteenth century, the industrial cultivation of the Watercress was carried out. It got introduced in Canada, South America, the West Indies, United States where it was naturalized because, in the US, the weather conditions were right with plenty of water where the Watercress spread. Today, the United States is considered the highest cultivator of Watercress in the world.

Regional in Europe and Asia, Watercress is loaded with minerals and vitamins such as iodine, calcium, potassium, Vitamin E, A, and C.

Plant

Nasturtium officinale grows 16 inches (41 cm) in height. The leaves are pinnately lobed, alternate, shiny, green, and 6 inches long. The flowers are 3-5 mm long with four white petals. The fruit is 10-25 mm long and 2 mm wide. It has thin roots which are white, fibrous, and abundant. The plant grows in wet and rich soil.

Nutritional Value

One cup of raw Watercress (about 34 grams) contains only 4 calories. One cup of Watercress also provides 0.03 grams of fat, 0.78 grams of protein, and 0.44 grams of carbohydrate (including 0.07 grams of sugar and 0.2 grams of fiber). Consuming one cup of Watercress will meet 70.83% of Vitamin K, 16.22% of Vitamin C, 7.71% of Vitamin A, 4.10% of Calcium, 3.61% of Manganese, 2.38% of Potassium and 2.27% of Vitamin E as well as thiamin, vitamin B6, riboflavin, phosphorus and magnesium needs of one.

Minerals	Amount	% DV
Calcium, Ca	41 mg	4.10%
Iron, Fe	0.07 mg	0.88%
Magnesium, Mg	7 mg	1.67%
Phosphorus, P	20 mg	2.86%
Potassium, K	112 mg	2.38%
Sodium, Na	14 mg	0.93%
Zinc, Zn	0.04 mg	0.36%
Copper, Cu	0.026 mg	2.89%
Manganese, Mn	0.083 mg	3.61%
Selenium, Se	0.3 µg	0.55%

Vitamins	Amount	% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.031 mg	2.58%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.041 mg	3.15%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	0.068 mg	0.43%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	0.105 mg	2.10%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	0.044 mg	3.38%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	3 µg	0.75%
Folic Acid	0 µg	N/D
Folate, food	3 µg	N/D
Folate, DEF	3 µg	N/D
Choline	3.1 mg	0.56%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)	14.6 mg	16.22%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE	54 µg	7.71%
Vitamin A, IU	1085 IU	N/D
Beta Carotene	651 µg	N/D
Lutein + zeaxanthin	1961 µg	N/D
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	0.34 mg	2.27%
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	85 µg	70.83%

Lipids	Amount	% DV
Fatty acids, total saturated	0.009 g	N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid)	0.008 g	N/D
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid)	0.001 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	0.003 g	N/D
Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid)	0.001 g	N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid)	0.002 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	0.012 g	N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid)	0.004 g	N/D
Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid)	0.008 g	N/D

Amino acids	Amount	% DV
Tryptophan	0.01 g	2.27%
Threonine	0.045 g	2.56%
Isoleucine	0.032 g	1.91%
Leucine	0.056 g	1.52%
Lysine	0.046 g	1.38%
Methionine	0.007 g	N/D
Cystine	0.002 g	N/D
Phenylalanine	0.039 g	N/D
Tyrosine	0.021 g	N/D
Valine	0.047 g	2.23%
Arginine	0.051 g	N/D
Histidine	0.014 g	1.14%
Alanine	0.047 g	N/D
Aspartic acid	0.064 g	N/D
Glutamic acid	0.065 g	N/D
Glycine	0.038 g	N/D
Proline	0.033 g	N/D
Serine	0.02 g	N/D

Flavonols	Amount	% DV
Kaempferol	7.8 mg	N/D
Myricetin	0.1 mg	N/D
Quercetin	10.2 mg	N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ 

Health Benefits of Watercress

Watercress is a green leafy vegetable that is an excellent source of minerals. It also provides a good amount of vitamins and proteins. Along with antioxidants, it has anti-cancer properties which help to prevent prostate, colon, lung, and breast cancer. It is also good to maintain cardiovascular health, eliminate free radicals, and prevent cell damage.

1. Eliminates carcinogens

The study shows that the extract of Watercress helps to detoxify the environmental toxicants and carcinogens which are found in cigarettes and also provides a negative impact on health. Smokers are at a high chance of getting lung cancer. The intake of Watercress extract prevents smokers from developing cancer and acts a great cancer-fighting tool. The trial shows that the extract of Watercress reduced the activation of nicotine by about 7.7 percent. (1)

2. Prevent breast cancer

The compound found in Watercress interferes in the protein function “Hypoxia Inducible Factor” which plays a vital role in the development of cancer. The research shows that the intake of Watercress interrupts the pathway which is associated with cancer development.  The study conducted on breast cancer patients shows that an intake of 80 grams of Watercress, it assists to limit the growth of cancer in women.

The study shows that the phytochemical compound found in Watercress enhances the defense power and also protects the cells. Watercress possesses a high amount of Vitamin C that helps to lower the oxidative stress caused due to cancer. (2)

3. Colorectal cancer

The studies have provided the mix results but many have made conclusions that the intake of folate in a regular basis helps to prevent colorectal cancer. It was seen when the folate was in intake for more than 15 years.

4. Thyroid ailments

Watercress belongs to the family brassica that provides a beneficial and positive effect on maintaining thyroid health. Watercress helps to decrease the production of thyroid hormones and is considered more beneficial when consumed raw. In order to maintain the nutritional value, the Watercress should be steamed lightly.

5. Prevent cardiovascular conditions

Along with the nutrients, Watercress possesses secondary metabolites that help to reduce the chances of chronic diseases. The plants such as Watercress help to reduce LDL cholesterol that help to reduce the chances of cardiovascular conditions such as chronic heart disease and arteriosclerosis. Watercress also possesses Vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant and reduces the damage of heart tissue which is the cause of oxidative stress. Vitamin C plays an active role in the embryonic cells process that develops into cardiac mycocytes and improves heart health.

6. Strong bones

Watercress is rich in calcium which helps to lower the chances of osteoporosis. Calcium helps to build and repair bones by increasing osteoblasts production. Calcium is effective for the youthful as well as aging population and it helps to enhance bone density. It possesses a good amount of folate which is a vital nutrient to maintain bone density. Post-menopausal women could be benefited by including folate in the diet as it prevents osteoporosis conditions.

7. Calcium

The consumption of calcium through dietary intake helps to prevent the conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Watercress is helpful to adverse cardiac effects. The addition of 500 mg to the daily diet is enough for women. Food sources are the healthiest way to maintain an adequate amount of calcium in the body. The studies show that the daily intake of Watercress helps to repair the damaged cells and prevent some cancers, thyroid ailments, and cardiovascular conditions.

8. Folate

Folate is a nutrient that has a vital role to maintain health and prevent birth defects. Alcohol consumption might affect folate levels. Foods rich in folate such as Watercress help to prevent and treat some health conditions.

The folate intake also helps to reduce stroke, depression, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, and neural defects in babies.

9. Antidepressant activity

A low level of folate is the cause of excess intake of alcohol or low dietary intake. The study shows that a low level of folate increases the chances of depression. It also affects the neurotransmitter pathways of the central nervous system that affects the production of serotonin. Watercress acts as a vital dietary supplement that helps to reduce the chances of depression.

10. Prevent strokes

The study shows that a positive result was found due to intake of fortified foods in the prevention of stroke. The folate-rich foods such as Watercress could be consumed instead of fortified foods at the same level to obtain the health benefit and nutrients.

11. Healthy pregnancy

Folate is vital for embryo development and cellular division. In addition to that, the intake of 400 mcg of folate on regular basis by pregnant women lowers the chances of neural tube defects. Watercress has a high amount of folate that helps to reduce the chances of neural tube deficiency while pregnant.

12. Cognitive health

Folate prevents cognitive decline. The study shows that the intake of 800 mcg of folate on regular basis has a positive effect on cognition as well a verbal fluency. The addition of Watercress prevents the chances of cognitive decline as it is rich in folate.

13. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has the ability to treat physiological systems and prevent disease when it is consumed in high amounts. Watercress is rich in Vitamin C more than in orange which helps to maintain the adequate amount of Vitamin C in blood levels that has various health benefits. It also helps to repair the brain tissues, lowers the chances of blood cell damage as well as the common cold.

14. Brain health

Vitamin C helps to prevent changes in cognition such as Alzheimer’s. It assists to lower the bleeding in the stoke occurrence. Those with traumatic head injury have lower Vitamin C in the blood. The studies show that Watercress prevents damage and also improves brain function and injury. A high amount of Vitamin C assists in neuron activities.

15. RBC

The study shows that the intake of Vitamin C with Vitamin E helps to lower the oxidative damage to the RBC (Red blood cells). The study is associated with the high intake of Watercress and the nutrients found in the Watercress are beneficial to the body.

16. Eye health

The study results that Vitamin C effectively reduces the chances of cataract development. Watercress is an excellent source of Vitamin C which is effective in preventing the cataract.

17. Cures common cold

Vitamin C treats the common cold effectively. The study conducted shows that the intake of Vitamin C-rich food helps to lower the chances of the common cold by almost 66 percent. Watercress is an excellent source of Vitamin C which helps to reduce the chances of catching a cold.

18. Treats asthma

The study which was conducted on the children having asthma showed that the high amount of Vitamin C of 0.2 grams daily helps to provide relief from pediatric asthma. It raises the forced expiratory volume (FEV). The dampness and mold exposure results in to increase of 21% whereas no exposure results in 37% increases in FEV per second.

Health Benefits Of Watercress Extract

The cruciferous leafy green, with its spicy peppery nature, is not to be avoided in your journey towards health. Get to know the advantages the semi-aquatic plant has to offer you.

1. Lowers blood pressure

Watercress has high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been proven to aid people with cardiovascular diseases. Lutein and zeaxanthin help lessen the occurrence of atherosclerosis or artery hardening, therefore reducing any hike in blood pressure levels. Likewise, the calcium, magnesium, and potassium content in the greens have been proven to have a definite impact in reducing blood pressure, as well as, improve endothelial dysfunction and constraining platelet aggregation.

2. Improves bone health

The abundance of vitamin K in watercress is enough to meet your daily need. A lack of vitamin K can increase the risk of bone fractures and brittle bones. Incorporating watercress in your diet can improve your bone health by modifying the bone matrix proteins, reducing the level of calcium excreted through urine, and improving calcium absorption.

Watercress helps in reducing the risk of osteoporosis due to its calcium content and works to repair your bones by elevating the osteoblast’s production. Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for bone repairing and strengthening. Likewise, the folate content in the leafy green helps improve and maintain bone density.

3. Prevents cancer

The anti-carcinogenic properties of the leafy green help reduce or even prevent the onset of breast cancer. The 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) content in watercress is proven to have preventive effects against breast cancer. It also acts as a protective shield for the tissues, during cancer treatments. Naturally, cruciferous greens are known to reduce and even prevent colon and lung cancer. The sulfur-containing compound, sulforaphane, give the greens its cancer-fighting abilities.

Regular consumption of watercress is beneficial and a preventive method against the onset of lung, breast, and stomach cancer. A constant and continuous consumption (a period of 15 years or more) of watercress helps prevent colorectal cancer.

4. Improves thyroid gland function

Watercress is rich in iodine, the mineral which is essential for the functioning of your thyroid gland. Eating watercress will provide your body with the relevant amount of iodine, thereby preventing any thyroid-related disorders. Raw or lightly steamed watercress can help by balancing the uncontrolled production of thyroid hormones and avoiding diseases like hypothyroidism or goiter.

5. Boosts immunity

Vitamin C is crucial for protecting your body against bacteria, virus, and fungi. The vitamin C content in watercress helps stimulate and improve your immune system. The vitamins release the antioxidants which will repel the free radicals and any inflammation within your body. The elimination of the free radicals boosts and strengthens your whole immune system.

6. Improves cardiovascular health

The antioxidant carotenoid lutein content in watercress aids in preventing the onset of severe cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and coronary artery diseases. Being cruciferous, the leafy green helps reduce the LDL cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the possible development of cardio-related diseases. Likewise, vitamin C in watercress reduces damages caused to the heart tissue through oxidative stress by acting as an antioxidant. It also improves your cardiovascular health by transforming the embryonic cells into cardiac myocytes.

7. Prevents strokes

Studies have revealed that watercress can prevent the onset of strokes due to the high folate content. Individuals who incorporated watercress in their daily diet were proven to have a very low risk of strokes whereas it was high in the case of individuals who did not consume folate-rich foods. The high levels of carotenoids also lower the risk of strokes.

8. Improves cognitive functioning

Consuming vitamin C can help improve your brain functions. It prevents any form of cognitive shifts or declines such as Alzheimer’s or anything related to aging, by repairing the brain tissues. Regular consumption of watercress can help the neuron-building activity, critical to your brain health. The folate content in watercress is equally beneficial in preventing the cognitive decline caused due to aging.

9. Treats diabetes

The antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid in watercress plays a central role in lowering blood glucose levels. Incorporating watercress into your daily diet can help prevent the changes caused by oxidative stress. One of the other major roles played by the antioxidant is in increasing insulin sensitivity. The low fat, calories, cholesterol, and sodium content in watercress is optimal for a diabetic person because the amino acids and fiber content will keep your stomach full and regulate the insulin and glucose level in your blood.

10. Aids in weight loss

Watercress has no fat and very low-calorie content. It is extremely beneficial if you are looking forward to losing some weight because, the high content of the amino acids and fiber can appease your hunger for a longer period of time, as the fiber makes you feel full. This effectively avoids the constant need to snack, which is one of the major causes of weight gain.

11. Improves eyesight

Vitamin C plays an effective role in minimizing the development of cataract risk. The high amount of vitamin A in watercress also has a central role in improving your eyesight, as the vitamin helps maintain healthy eyes and prevents the onset of any visual problems or disorders such as macular degeneration.

12. Prevents anemia

Watercress has a high content of iron, which is responsible for the development of necessary hemoglobin. The iron content in the leafy green plays a major role in the maturation of the red blood cells into the bone marrow. Also, the vitamin C content in the green improves iron absorption and thereby preventing any form of iron deficiency.

13. Manages gallbladder function

Studies have revealed that watercress has the potential to lower the formation of gallstones. The high water content in the leafy green vegetables helps in flushing out the toxins and clearing out any obstructions in the path of gallbladder functioning. The flushing out helps in avoiding gallbladder inflammation, as there are no restrictions in the path.

14. Prevents cough & cold

Watercress is known to have antiviral and antibacterial properties that help in preventing and curing cough and cold. Leafy vegetables, in general, are known to have cold-curing powers. Sulfur glycosides present in watercress helps in curing coughs and even long-term bronchitis. The vitamin C content in watercress gets rid of cold, as it not only boosts your immunity but also gets rid of respiratory tract infections.

15. Strengthens teeth

Watercress is enriched with bountiful calcium. An excellent source of calcium, the leafy green can be extremely beneficial for your teeth. Regular consumption can strengthen your teeth as well as cure bleeding gums.

16. Acts as an antidepressant

A lack or low level of folate content in your body has been linked with the onset of depression. By interacting with the neurotransmitters (pathways of the central nervous system), folate impacts the production of neurochemicals (serotonin). Incorporating watercress into the daily diet is known to have had a positive impact on cases with depression.

17. Relives pediatric asthma

Children suffering from asthma are advised to consume watercress on a daily basis, or according to the doctor’s advice. The vitamin C content in the leafy green is proven to provide relief from asthma. The effect of watercress varies from one child to another.

18. Helps in pregnancy

Watercress plays an important role in the development of the embryo. The folate content in the cruciferous vegetable plays a critical role in the process of cellular division, during pregnancy. Consuming watercress during pregnancy can help reduce any embryo-related ailments.

19. Eases diarrhea

Watercress is widely known for its high amount of fiber. The fiber helps in binding the stools and thereby reducing and gradually stopping diarrhea. Watercress will help in easing diarrhea, improve digestion and metabolic activities and balance the gut-flora. However, it has to be taken in controlled quantity due to its water content.

20. Cures infections

The antibiotic properties of watercress make it highly useful in curing infections. The regular consumption of watercress improves your body by fighting off different types of fungal and bacterial infections, especially the ones in the colon and intestines.

Traditional uses

• Leaves are rich in minerals and vitamin content and assist indigestion.
• It is used as a stimulant and expectorant to treat bronchitis, coughs, and assists to maintain blood sugar levels.
• Watercress is also used to treat tuberculosis.
• In China, the soup of watercress to cure canker sores on lips or tongue, mouth blisters, bad teeth, swollen gums, and foul breath.
• The juice or tea of Watercress is used to eliminate collected fluids in the body tissue such as congestion and gout.
• Watercress is believed to be a diuretic used to aid in kidney or bladder stones.
• The juice extracted from fresh leaves helps to cure acne, ringworm, eczema, rashes, skin irritations as well as infections.
• It is also used to treat tuberculosis and scurvy.

How to Eat         

• The raw leaves are consumed as salad greens or steamed as vegetables.
• Watercress could be added to soups, stews, sauces, stir-fries, pizzas, and sandwiches.
• The dried leaves are used to make herbal tea.
• The sprigs of Watercress could be used to garnish the veggies.
• The leaves are also used to prepare omelets, quiche, pies, casseroles, rice dishes, dips, and stuffing.
• Watercress could be used as a garnish on cold salmon or egg dishes.
• The sliced leaves of Watercress could be combined with butter and used as a spread.

Other Facts

• The intake of Watercress is believed as a cure for a hangover.
• The Army of the U.S. planted watercress in the fort garden ahead western trails as a foodstuff for soldiers.
• Roman emperors consume Watercress in order to make old decisions.
• Watercress is a member of the mustard family and was originated in Ancient Greece which remains a basic part of the diet of the Mediterranean.
• Watercress soup was a popular British dish in the 17th century.
• Greeks say that the consumption of cress makes witty.
• It was brought to the United States by immigrants of European in the Mid 1800s.
• Watercress is used as a hair tonic and enhances hair growth.

INTERACTIONS

Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Talk with your health provider.The body breaks down chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex) to get rid of it. Watercress might decrease how quickly the body breaks down chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex). Taking watercress along with chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex) might increase the effects and side effects of chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex).

LithiumInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Talk with your health provider.Watercress might have an effect like a water pill or “diuretic.” Taking watercress might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Warfarin (Coumadin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Talk with your health provider.Watercress contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, watercress might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Watercress?

• Children – Watercress is UNSAFE for use as a medicine in children, especially in those younger than four years old.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Watercress is UNSAFE in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. It might start menstruation and cause a miscarriage. Not enough is known about the use of watercress during breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers – Don’t use watercress if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers.
• Kidney disease: Don’t use watercress if you have kidney disease.
• May Interfere With Thyroid Health – Most cruciferous vegetables, including watercress, contain compounds called goitrogens that may interfere with iodine metabolism. Iodine is a nutrient essential for thyroid health, and this interference may cause thyroid issues (23). Individuals with thyroid issues may have to limit their intake of watercress (and other cruciferous vegetables) and consult their doctor.
• May Aggravate Kidney Disease – Watercress contains potassium, though only in low amounts. Excess potassium may aggravate kidney disease (24). If you are dealing with kidney issues, please check with your doctor before adding watercress to your diet. Your doctor may suggest you limit consumption and even advise you on the right dosage.
• Insufficient Information On Its Effects During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
• The intake of Watercress for a long time may cause bladder issues or cystitis due to its effective diuretic qualities.
• Those with bladder swelling should avoid Watercress consumption because it promotes bladder pain.
• People with hyperthyroidism should prevent Watercress because it has a high amount of iodine.
• Those people with medication should a bit of advice from doctors before consuming watercress or its juice.

References

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