It’s rich in fibre, folates, vitamins C, E and A, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and more
Watercress is being championed as a beneficial addition to any diet, particularly for those living with diabetes. Regardless of whether you have type one, two or neither, your blood glucose levels will naturally fluctuate throughout the day due to eating and exercising, which helps sugar circulate through the body.
Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood glucose and lead to serious health complications, regardless of the type. According to LA NACION, Pan American Health Organization, a series of interventions including diet, physical activity and medication (if necessary) can improve patient outcomes. They also highlighted that blood glucose levels above 180 to 200 mg/dl indicate a glucose spike (hyperglycemia), while levels below 60 mg/dl suggest hypoglycemia. In both instances, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
Why should I eat watercress?
For those living with diabetes, maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial, and incorporating watercress into their diet could be highly beneficial. A study from William Paterson University in the US highlights that watercress is packed with nutrients needed by the body, including fibre, folates, vitamins C, E and A, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and iron, according to data from the Spanish Nutrition Foundation. The high fibre content of watercress allows for slower absorption of sugar by the body, making it ideal for diabetics. Moreover, its other nutrients contribute positively to overall health.
What is watercress water and why it’s a ‘superfood’
Watercress water, as the name suggests, is simply fresh watercress leaves soaked or infused in water, allowing for the extraction of their beneficial compounds. The term ‘superfood’ has become increasingly popular in recent years, referring to foods and some drinks that offer numerous health benefits.
The so-called term ‘superfood’ has gained popularity over the last few years when it comes to food and some drinks with the label suggesting said food has many benefits for our health. So much so that watercress water has been added to this list, reports marca.com. Containing vitamin C and K, calcium, iron, antioxidants and more, allof these help promote strong bones with its antioxidant properties helping to combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Not only this, but the water can aid in digestion due to its fibre content and compounds that stimulate the production of gastric juices. It can also help banish toxins from the body, making your kidney’s healthier due to its diuretic properties. Meanwhile its bioactive compounds are said to have anti-inflammatory effects – great for people suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions.
In fact, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded watercress a perfect 100% score on their scale of “powerhouse fruits and vegetables”, reports today.com. To reap its benefits, you can blend it into a smoothie, toss it into a salad, or serve it as a side dish. A study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming just 85 grams of raw watercress daily for 8 weeks resulted in reduced DNA damage and increased antioxidant levels in the body, both of which are believed to contribute to a lower risk of developing cancer.
