Watercress is an aquatic plant from the Brassicaceae family and thus similar to arugula and mustard greens.
It’s said to have healing properties and has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. However, no human studies have confirmed these benefits so far.
Test-tube studies have found watercress extract to be beneficial in targeting cancer stem cells and impairing cancer cell reproduction and invasion.
Due to its bitter and slightly spicy flavor, watercress makes a great addition to neutrally flavored foods.
SUMMARYWatercress has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. A few test-tube studies suggest it may be beneficial in cancer treatment, but no human studies have confirmed these effects.
Romaine lettuce is a common leafy vegetable with sturdy, dark leaves with a firm center rib.
It has a crunchy texture and is a popular lettuce, particularly in Caesar salads.
It’s a good source of vitamins A and K, with one cup (47 grams) providing 82% and 60% of the DVs for these vitamins respectively.
What’s more, research in rats showed that lettuce improved their levels of blood lipids, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Further studies need to investigate these benefits in people.
SUMMARYRomaine lettuce is a popular lettuce found in many salads. It’s rich in vitamins A and K, and a study in rats suggests it may improve blood lipid levels.