Watercress seeds are often overlooked but are surprisingly packed with nutrients and are well known for nutritional and medicinal value. These seeds contain photochemical which exhibit health beneficial properties. These are not popular as they have bitter taste.
Nutriton profile
- They contain a good amount of protein (23-25%) and equal amount of fat.
- Fibre in the form of complex carbs is 7-8 mg/100 g.
- The seeds are rich in lysine but poor in methionine and cystine.
- Coming to the fatty acid profile, they contain a good amount of linolenic acid (26-30%), oleic acid (7-11%) and linoleic acid (7-11%). These are good fatty acids, but these seeds also have erucic acid which is a matter of concern as it may lead to cardiac problems.
- It is an excellent source of calcium and contains approximately 317 mg/100 gm. Good source of iron between 17-33 mg/100g and zinc (4-5 mg/100 mg) and certain other micronutrients.
Health benefits
- These seeds contain lepidine which have diuretic properties
- The presence of compound imidazole show antihypertensive properties.
- Glucosinolates compound has anti carcinogenic properties.
- Flavonoid compounds act as antioxidants which work as anti-asthmatic and anti inflammatory properties.
- It helps boost the secretion of milk in nursing mothers.
- It is helpful for people with bronchitis as it contains the characteristics of bronco-dilatation.
- Good amount of fibre helps treat constipation and improve gastrointestinal functions.
- Helps treat anaemia, as it has good amount of iron.
- It has mild oestrogen properties and helps to regulate menstrual cycle and should be consumed by females who face irregularities.
- It is beneficial for skin ulcers.
- Thus, garden cress seeds should be consumed in small quantities as a part of the diet and help benefit humans in certain ways.