Fun Things about Watercress

Watercress could be called the fast health food in previous times. As it was a free and an important source of sustenance throughout Europe and the US in the 19th century. Given the nickname "poor man's bread," bunches were often rolled into a cone and eaten as an on-the-go breakfast sandwich – much less expensive than the real thing.

Summary

A nutrient-rich perennial plant growing naturally around slow moving water sources, watercress has been known for centuries as an exceptionally nutritious herb for both eating and healing. It can be used in sandwiches, salads, and steamed as a side dish, it adds a tangy, peppery flavour as well as a plethora of minerals and vitamins – more than that of spinach, milk or oranges. Vitamins A, C, and K, and phytonutrients like isothiocyanates and gluconasturtiin in watercress strengthen bones, limit neuronal damage, fight infection, help maintain healthy connective tissue, and prevent iron deficiency. Studies have found the compound PEITC in watercress may suppress breast cancer cell development and prevent DNA damage in cells. You can find this oft-overlooked leafy green in most supermarkets, so give it a try when you make your next green salad or sandwich. Remember, watercress from stagnant water may host harmful parasites or pathogens, so rinse and soak well before eating.

Recipe

Ingredients:
•2 cups watercress, trimmed, use sprigs
•2 cups baby spinach, trim stalks
•2 pears, Sliced
•Ground Pepper to taste
•1 carrot, grated
•1 capsicum finely sliced
•1 red onion finely sliced
•1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Dressing:
•1 tblespn fresh ginger, roughly chopped
•¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
•¼ cup smooth almond butter mix with 2 tblespn hot water
•1½ tblespn Raw honey or Maple Syrup
•½ tspn chili paste, or to taste
•3 tblespn toasted sesame oil

Directions:
1.Place watercress and spinach in a large bowl. Cut pears into thick matchstick-like slices. Toss gently with the watercress and spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2.Place all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Drizzle dressing over salad and garnish with grated carrot and toasted sesame seeds.

For variations you can add chicken, feta cheese, pine nuts, beetroot grated

Further for Nutritional Support or Recipes

Bon Appetit!!!!

Empowering You to Optimal Health Julie Doherty N.D

Author's Bio: 

Hi I’m Julie,

Your Health & Lifestyle Coach Specialist(Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine)

I learnt very early in my life that there was much more to health than meets the eye

To achieve “Optimal Health” is about taking control of every aspect of YOU and YOUR LIFE:

That “Optimal Health” is only possible when we understand the unity of our mind, emotions connections to our physical body then our soul that inner voice that knows what is good and not good for us: Not to aim for Perfection but for Connection.

I love to work with people who dedicated who want to succeed in all areas of their life with the understanding that "Health is the very foundation for this to be possible"

So for over 26 years, I have worked with thousands of people in clinical practice prescribing herbal & homoeopathic remedies: implementing dietary changes so as to accommodate the best nutrition and life balance possible:Group and individual Health & Lifestyle Coaching to achieve the Happiest, Healthiest and Most Successful Life Possible.

My Professional Qualifications include Diplomas in Naturopathic, Herbal: Homoeopathic & Nutritional Medicine: Remedial & Therapeutic Massage Therapy: Body Mind Balancing Cognitive Counselling, Life Coaching & Massage: & Natural Beauty:

1.I love to watch movies that are based on true life stories with all the aspects of Life, love, romance, challenges and best of all happy endings.
2.I am born and bred Australian, South Australian with an English, German and Italian background
3.I didn’t commence my formulative studies until I was 28 years of age
4.I am so totally in Love with my husband of now 42 years
5.My family is the most important aspect of my life
6.I am totally passionate and focused on Health and Aging Well.
7.I love Healthy, Fresh food and Dining out
8.I try to go without drinking wine, but I have to admit that when we go out for dinner or have friends over, I do enjoy the odd glass or two of Savion Blanc
9.I love my early morning walks, just seeing the sun come up and the birds singing is just AWESOME
10.I want to live overseas for three months
11.I am obsessed with self-development books and CD’s
12.I love writing, sharing all the great things about life
13.I love hearing my clients life stories and sharing mine
14.I am living proof that by taking charge of your life will allow you to follow your passions, give you the opportunity of to age with great health and vitality.

Julie Doherty N.DAccredited Member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society