Watercress

    Researchedby:
    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: November 18, 2022

    Watercress is a peppery vegetable in the family Brassicaceae, which includes broccoli. Eating watercress may help protect against carcinogens and chemotherapy drugs.

    examine-databaseExamine Database

    Watercress is most often used for .

    118 participants in 2 trials

    Summary

    Watercress is a vegetable in the Brassicaceae family. It has a peppery taste and is related to broccoli, cauliflower, and rocket.

    Watercress consumption has been associated with various anti-cancer effects.

    Watercress consumption can also stimulate anti-oxidant enzymes, which is thought to reduce DNA damage. Watercress is also a good source of lutein.

    Watercress and other members of the Brassicaceae family contain compounds called isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates include sulforaphane, diindolylmethane and phenethyl isothiocyanates (PEITC). Compared to other Brassicaceae plants, watercress contains more PEITC. These compounds help the body protect against a variety of compounds, including carcinogens.

    There is minimal human evidence to support these claims, but two human studies have found a degree of reduced DNA damage in otherwise healthy people after they added watercress to their diet.

    What are other names for Watercress

    Note that Watercress is also known as:
    • Nasturtium officinale
    Watercress should not be confused with:
    • Nasturtium seeds (Tropaeolum majus)

    Dosage information

    Between 85-100g of watercress a day (referring to the wet weight of the plant) is associated with the benefits commonly seen with watercress.

    Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and timing for supplementation.

    Examine Database: Watercress

    Examine Database References

    1. Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile - Hofmann T, Kuhnert A, Schubert A, Gill C, Rowland IR, Pool-Zobel BL, Glei MModulation of detoxification enzymes by watercress: in vitro and in vivo investigations in human peripheral blood cellsEur J Nutr.(2009 Dec)
    2. DNA Damage - Gill CI, Haldar S, Boyd LA, Bennett R, Whiteford J, Butler M, Pearson JR, Bradbury I, Rowland IRWatercress supplementation in diet reduces lymphocyte DNA damage and alters blood antioxidant status in healthy adultsAm J Clin Nutr.(2007 Feb)