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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : February 4, 2015 10:58 PM IST
The health benefits of garden cress seeds have been recognized in Europe and India for decades now. This herb can be used for cooking in addition to being a healing herb. It possesses a peppery and tangy taste which resembles watercress and leaf mustard. This does not come as a surprise because garden cress is related to both of these herbs botanically.
Listed below are some of the main benefits associated with garden cress seeds:
Contains carotenoids which are good for eye health
You will be impressed with the nutritional value of garden cress by knowing one simple fact: If you consume just an ounce of garden cress, your body will receive a supply of around 40% of Vitamin A, as it is a rich source of carotenoids. It should be noted that carotenoids and Vitamin A have been considered as among the best nutrients that will improve your eye health. This is because these seeds have the ability to prevent impaired night vision, retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts as well as macular degeneration which is a result of old age, causing blindness in elderly people.
Rich source of Vitamin C
If you were always under the impression that oranges contained a good amount of Vitamin C, you will be surprised to know that garden cress is the champion of Vitamin C, surpassing oranges. These claims are substantiated by the fact that fresh garden cress is a richer source of Vitamin C as compared with fresh oranges! It is fascinating to note that an ounce of garden cress will give you around 32% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C. It works to around 7% more than what an ounce of fresh orange will provide.
It helps keep your bones, skin and gums healthy and strong. It also ensures that you are not iron-deficient as it improves your body's ability to absorb iron from the foods you consume.
Improves cardiovascular health
Garden cress is packed with Vitamin K, a nutrient that ensures better heart health. If you add just an ounce of garden cress to a salad which you can have for lunch, it could supply you with your daily requirement of Vitamin K.
Good for your teeth
Among the main glucosinolates which can be found in garden cress, glucotropaeolin, can be best described as the pre-cursor to benzyl isothiocyanate (BIT), a compound which can help combat dental problems effectively. In fact, a study conducted in 1988 discovered the fact that BIT prevented the acid production and growth of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium which is responsible for dental problems.
Ways to incorporate garden cress or halim seeds in your diet:
A healthy salad
You could always grow garden cress in your garden. They usually sprout in a day or two. Therefore, they should be harvested when they are wide, like a slice of bread. You can add garden cress to a sandwich or salad which you prepare for lunch.
In order to improve iron absorption present in garden cress, add it to lemon water for close to half an hour. The lemon juice will help absorb the iron since it contains Vitamin C. The soaked seeds can be added to vegetables while cooking or a salad. Garden cress can also be powdered and added to soups.
Photo source: Getty images
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