By Irene Hayton

Last month’s Health Tip discussed the importance of leafy greens in your diet. Watercress is one of those leafy greens that you may want to include on a regular basis. This herb is a member of the Cruciferae family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc. Since early times, it has been valued as a food and for medicinal benefits. Herbalists have long regarded watercress as a powerful cleanser for the body, especially the blood and it has been used to treat a variety of ailments.

Watercress is packed with nutrients—it contains vitamins B1, B6, C, E, and K, beta carotene, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, sulfur, and important antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and quercitin. It has a peppery taste and can be used in salad, soups, stews, stir-fries, sandwiches, quiches, casseroles, etc. See this month’s recipe for Watercress Salad.