Watercress

History and Uses:
Watercress, sometimes referred to as True Nasturtium, is native to Europe and Asia, and it is now grown in the New World as well. Watercress is so named because it naturally favors wet areas around springs and along riverbanks. Watercress is among the earliest green vegetables cultivated by man - first by the Persians, then soon after by the Greeks and Romans. Watercress was a staple for Greek and Persian soldiers, who noticed that it improved their health and conditioning. Though its scientific name is Nasturtium officinale, the Watercress is unrelated to the garden flower called nasturtium. Loosely translated, Nasturtium is derived from Latin words meaning "wrinkled nose," which alludes to Watercress' pungent odor. Watercress contains a large amount of sulfur, which may add to the odor, but also adds to its benefits. In addition to being an important food source, Watercress also has a history of medicinal use. The Ancient Greeks believed that Watercress had the potential to cure insanity. In the not-too-distant past, Watercress was used to prevent scurvy and in the treatment of tuberculosis. It was believed that a lotion made from Watercress could reduce blemishes. Recently, Watercress has been the focus of several studies regarding its potential for fighting malignant disease, mainly due to its high antioxidant content. As a nutritional supplement, Watercress also excels. It contains a large amount of vitamins C and A, beta-carotene, folic acid, iodine, iron, protein and especially calcium. The nutritional value alone make supplementing your diet with Watercress a healthy idea.