There's No Healthier Food Than Watercress

Superfoods like avocados or goji berries have long been found in all kinds of products. They provide important nutrients to keep our bodies fit and healthy. However, you don't always have to rely on exotic imported fruits when you want to eat healthily.

The healthiest food in the world, in fact, is native to Germany. The reason it has flown under the radar for so long might be due to its size and limited uses. Watercress is easy to overlook – both in nature and in the kitchen.

The Best Superfood: Watercress

A study on superfoods, conducted as early as 2014, examined 41 different fruits and vegetables and measured their nutrient density in relation to the daily requirements of 2,000 kilocalories. The research team from the U.S. William Paterson University in New Jersey assessed 17 nutrients, with watercress scoring an unbeatable total of 100 points.

The results were published in the scientific journal Preventing Chronic Disease, showing that watercress, in its combination of vitamins, iron, fiber, and many other nutrients, is almost unbeatable for human health.

Why Isn't Watercress Considered a Superfood?

Watercress has a sharp, slightly pungent taste on the tongue, which is reflected in its Latin name nasus tortus. This translates to "twisted nose" and refers to the facial expression one makes after eating the cress. In very large quantities, watercress, due to its high content of essential mustard oils, can also cause irritation to the stomach, kidneys, and bladder.

It can be assumed that watercress isn't considered a superfood due to its taste, as it doesn't blend as well into smoothies or other foods compared to an avocado. However, watercress is very easy to grow at home within a few days and works great on bread or in salads.

Photo: Unsplash / by Devi Puspita Amartha Yahya