A Weed to Keep You Youthful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I bet you thought I was going to write about that weed that every one experienced in college. Is that what got your attention? Try this weed instead and be pro-active with your aging!

Watercress- it’s actually a weed! But it’s not just any weed-it’s packed with antioxidants and is great in a salad, steamed and sautéed. You can find it growing alongside streams and riverbeds in nearly every U.S. state. Although I would suggest you go to your local health food store where you find it in the produce section.

Around 400 BC Hippocrates located the first hospital Kos near a stream so that he could have watercress available for his patience’s. It is low in calories, but high in antioxidants. It’s also high in Vitamin K which helps to strengthen bones and helps to limit neural damage to the brain, which is helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease(and forgetfulness).
There's also vitamin C and vitamin A. Vitamin C provides infection-fighting power to stave off colds and flu, helps to maintain healthy connective tissue, and prevents iron deficiency. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is essential for a properly functioning immune system. It also produces pigments in the retina of the eye. An absence of these pigments can cause night blindness.

Need a Detox? A study funded by the National Cancer Institute on smokers found that after eating watercress they excreted higher levels of toxic tobacco.

Further watercress helps to keep you cellular metabolic functions at peak. This improves the body’s ability to absorb and use calcium and vitamin B-complex.

We’re talking strong bones, good memory, improved eyesight and a clean body-mind!  Got to love Watercress! That’s Pro-active Anti-Aging!

Doctor Lynn

Here are two on my favorite recipes for Watercress.

 

Orange, Avocado and Watercress Salad. In a bowl mix 1 tp of orange zest and 3 teaspoons of orange juice, t tsp of olive oil and a dash of ground cumin. Toss trimmed watercress into the dressing and then arrange on two plates. Top with 4 rounds of naval (peel and pith removed.) Top with thin slices of avocados. Sprinkle a few hemp seed heart on top (gives a kick of omega!), or use any chopped nut or seed.

About 137 calories a serving.

Watercress Stir Fry Steak Salad - Ina medium pan heat 2 tables of olive oil. Add chopped 3 minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Add 8 oz. of stemmed watercress and stir fry. Throw in a squirt or two of soy sauce. Divide amongst two plates, Top with grilled skirt steak and a ¼ tsp of toasted sesame seeds.

About 314 calories per serving.

Doctorlynn
http://www.doctorlynn.com