Health benefits of watercress<\/h2>\n
Watercress was hailed by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, and he would only build a hospital that was close to a river so he would have access to it for his patients. It has been used medicinally to prevent and treat gingivitis, wounds, respiratory illnesses, liver disease, and more. (1<\/a>) It has more iron than spinach, more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, and is rich in 12 other nutrients including vitamins K, A, and folate and minerals manganese, zinc, and selenium. (2<\/a>)<\/p>\n Watercress has been shown to have anti-cancer properties (3<\/a>), be a powerful antioxidant (4<\/a>), prevent and improve heart disease, help those with asthma (5<\/a>), and is anti-microbial, anti-viral, and antipyretic (fever reducing).<\/p>\n So many reasons to include this amazing green into your meals on a regular basis!<\/p>\n I’m all about simplicity! For this salad, I used a heaping handful or watercress, a heaping handful of baby spinach, 1\/2 naval orange, 1 small handful of blueberries, and a quick balsamic vinaigrette. Mix the greens together evenly and top with the fruit. For the dressing use 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp dijon mustard, a little garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.<\/p>\n I have been known to add diced chicken or turkey to this salad or have it as a side.<\/em><\/p>\nMy simple salad<\/h2>\n
Do you have a favorite dish that features watercress? Share it in the comments below!<\/h2>\n
![\"watercress](\"https:\/\/www.roadtolivingwhole.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/watercress-and-spinach-salad.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWatercress Salad with Blueberries and Oranges with a Balsamic Vinegarette<\/h2>\n