Watercress is one of the best foods that we can include in our diet, not only for its slimming properties but also for the number of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that make it up and offer the body the necessary substances to function correctly and with a lot of Energy. Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant that grows on the banks of the rivers of Europe, America, and Asia. Its round and bitter leaves contain essential nutrients and are highly valued in the culinary world.
Watercress is much more than a vegetable used to prepare salads since its medicinal properties have been known since ancient times. However, nowadays, it is one of the most widely used foods to complement the weight loss process. A large part of its natural composition acts in the body, helping burn fat and increase the feeling of satiety. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will talk about the properties of watercress for weight loss, keep reading carefully and discover what they are.
Table of Contents
Watercress composition
Why is watercress one of the healthiest foods? Because its natural composition makes it a hypocaloric vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals that help the body optimize its main functions and combat important health complications, such as high blood cholesterol levels. Before knowing in depth the properties of watercress to lose weight, it is important to explain what this plant is composed of. Every 100 grams of watercress contains:
- Calories: 20.
- Protein: 2.2 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams.
- Water: 97 grams.
- Fiber; 0.7 grams.
- Fat: 0.3 grams.
- Potassium: 282 grams.
- Sodium: 52 grams.
- Vitamin A: 4900 IU.
- Vitamin C: 79 grams.
It is mainly composed of water.
As we could see in the previous section, watercress is composed mainly of water, to the point that 100 grams of this plant provide the body with 97 grams of vital fluid. This characteristic of watercress makes it worthy of its diuretic property, an action that acts in the body, helping to facilitate kidney function and preventing fluid retention.
Overweight people tend to retain a large number of fluids, which prevents them from releasing the ideal amount of toxins through urine, which in some cases makes them appear more bloated than usual. The diuretic effect exerted by watercress in the body allows combating this consequence of being overweight. In addition, its high water content is an excellent benefit for the skin, which will look healthier and less aged.
It contains a large amount of potassium.
Watercress is high in potassium, a mineral that acts in the body, helping to reduce the concentration of cholesterol and glucose in the blood. This is one of the essential properties of watercress to lose weight. When you are overweight, it is vital to eliminate the excess fat in the body to purify it and thus facilitate weight loss.
In addition, potassium is the substance responsible for maintaining the water balance in the body and is considered an alkaline substance; that is, it fights the acidity of the body’s tissues and substances to offer a balanced pH that allows fighting diseases such as Cancer. The potassium contained in the watercress helps fight fatigue, promoting more Energy after the plant’s consumption.
Food rich in fiber
The body does not produce fiber, so we must ingest it through food to obtain its multiple benefits. Watercress is one of the foods that can contribute more soluble fiber to the body. This type of fiber is of great help in losing weight because it limits the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, which considerably reduces blood glucose levels.
Likewise, fiber acts as a cleansing food for the liver, as fat absorbs accumulated toxins to eliminate them from the body through bowel movements. As if that were not enough, fiber intake helps stimulate intestinal transit, which is why it fights constipation and abdominal inflammation.
One of the best benefits of the high fiber content that watercress offers is that soluble fiber causes an incredible feeling of satiety in the body, which is why after eating it, our stomach will feel satisfied for much longer than usual, which is ideal for calming anxiety and preventing binge eating.
Below you can discover other foods rich in fiber.
It is an antioxidant
Watercress is rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C; both substances act in the body by fighting the effect of free radicals in cell tissue, helping to prevent diseases such as breast and colon cancer. But in addition, antioxidants are very favorable for the health of the skin. They prevent premature aging by activating the production of collagen and elastin, substances responsible for keeping the skin tight and fighting sagging, wrinkles, and folds.
It is essential to combat sagging during weight loss to prevent the skin from losing its tone due to the amount of fat that the body has lost. Likewise, taking care of the skin during weight loss is vital to avoid the fewer kilos that make a face look older or haggard than usual.
How to consume watercress to lose weight
Watercress can be consumed in many ways: in salads, soups, creams, juices, and even preparing purifying watercress. If you are tired of eating this vegetable in salads and recipes, here are two different options.
Watercress juice for weight loss
- 200 grams of watercress.
- The juice of 1/2 orange.
- One tablespoon of rolled oats.
- Five strawberries
- 1/2 glass of water or skim milk.
Preparation: Process all the ingredients in the blender and add saccharin to sweeten it. This juice is very effective for taking on an empty stomach when the body can absorb all its concentration of fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients in a better way. Taking three times a week is enough.
Watercress for weight loss
- 100 grams of watercress.
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation: pour the liter of water into a large pot and add the watercress. Then cover the pot and let the watercress rest overnight. The next day, take out the watercress and transfer the water to a plastic bottle and drink five tablespoons, four times a day, every day for a week. It is always important, both in the preparation of the juice and in the practice of the water, to wash the watercress well and disinfect it to eliminate any microorganisms in its branches.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.