Ingredient Spotlight: Watercress – Nature’s Most Powerful Superfood

One of the most powerful superfoods is an aquatic plant species called watercress. Traditionally, watercress has been used for many medicinal purposes such as a:

• Diuretic
• Expectorant
• Purgative
• Stimulant

Due to its high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene, researchers even credit it as an anti-cancer property.

Not only is watercress a superfood that we can ingest, but it is can also be pressed into a nutrient-dense oil. Only in recent years has watercress gained notice in skincare, but the benefits are resounding.

Benefits of eating watercress

There are many benefits to eating superfoods like watercress. Not only is it packed with different vitamins, but it also includes immune-boosting properties. If you’re looking to add something extra to your recipes, watercress is a versatile ingredient that you can add to just about any meal. You can blend it in your smoothie, toss it with a salad, or even top your tacos with it.

Here are 5 benefits of eating watercress:

1. Facilitates healthy bones and regulation of blood because it is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene. Specifically, one cup of watercress has over 100% of the recommended dietary intake, according to Nutrition Data.
2. It has a high antioxidant content, which aids in lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
3. It’s a heart-healthy superfood! Watercress contains dietary nitrates that lower blood pressure and aid in stopping platelet aggregation, which can cause blood clots.
4. Carotenoid and Vitamin C content protects eye health.
5. High Vitamin C levels increase immune function.

Benefits of applying watercress to your skin

Not only is watercress a great superfood to add to your meals, but it’s also a remarkable ingredient to add to your skincare lineup.

Here are 5 benefits of adding watercress into your skincare routine:

1. Watercress can help with ridding your skin of acne because it’s a natural diuretic- that helps aid in the elimination of waste and toxins. This works as a cleanser for your skin because it flushes out the unwanted toxins.
2. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help with skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. Not only does it help decrease inflammatory diseases, but it also reduces overall inflammation.
3. It’s high in Chlorophyll, which has antibacterial properties that can help fade blemishes. Not only this but it also works as a neutralizer, reducing discoloration from pimples, redness, and other skin conditions.
4. Decreases wrinkles. In a study commissioned by the Hampshire and Dorset watercress farmers, 10 out of 11 females “experienced visible improvements to their skin after just four weeks of adding one bag of watercress a day to their diet.” Dr. Sarah Schenker, who oversaw the study, pointed out that the vitamin content is what aids in skin health.
5. The vitamin A content boosts resistance to infection as well as protecting the skin cells from potential damage from free radicals.

While we encourage you to add watercress to your diet, we also know it is hugely beneficial as a face oil. As we age over time, our skin begins to require an increased blend of dense nutrients to enhance and maintain hydrated and youthful skin.

Watercress is just one nutrient that increases the hydration and elasticity of our skin and is the main ingredient in our Super-food Beauty Oil blend. You can find our specially crafted and lightweight formula here.

Always Pure, Always Natural.

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