À Quoi Sert Le Cresson? 8 Avantages Impressionnants

2024 Auteur: Cecilia Ryder | [email protected]. Dernière modifié: 2023-12-17 14:20

Le cresson est un légume crucifère. Comme les autres légumes de sa famille, le cresson est un concentré de divers nutriments. Certains pensent même que c'était un aliment de base dans l'alimentation des soldats romains.

Le cresson regorge de polyphénols puissants qui éliminent les radicaux libres et combattent les maladies chroniques (1). En fait, il pourrait faire partie des aliments les plus sains que vous puissiez ajouter à votre alimentation. Dans cet article, nous avons discuté des différentes façons dont le cresson peut promouvoir et entretenir votre santé et votre bien-être.

Table des matières

• Quel est le profil nutritionnel du cresson?
• Quels sont les avantages pour la santé du cresson?
• Comment incorporer le cresson à votre alimentation
• Quels sont les effets secondaires potentiels du cresson?

Quel est le profil nutritionnel du cresson?

Le cresson est un légume riche en nutriments. Les Centers for Disease Control and Prevention des États-Unis classent le cresson au premier rang sur la liste des fruits et légumes puissants (2).

Une tasse de cresson (34 grammes) ne contient que 4 calories. Il contient de la vitamine K (106% des AJR), de la vitamine C (24% des AJR) et de la vitamine A (22% des AJR). Les autres nutriments proposés par ce légume sont listés dans le tableau ci-dessous.

Nutritif	Unité	1Valeur pour 100 g	1 tasse, hachée = 34,0 g	1 brin = 2,5 g	10,0 brins = 25,0 g
L'eau	g	95,11	32,34	2,38	23,78
Énergie	kcal	11	4	0	3
Protéine	g	2,3	0,78	0,06	0,57
Lipides totaux (graisses)	g	0,1	0,03	0	0,03
Glucides, par différence	g	1,29	0,44	0,03	0,32
Fibres, alimentation totale	g	0,5	0,2	0	0,1
Sucres, total	g	0,2	0,07	0,01	0,05
						mg	120	41	3	30
Fer, Fe	mg	0,2	0,07	0,01	0,05
Magnésium, Mg	mg	21	7	1	5
Phosphore, P	mg	60	20	2	15
Potassium, K	mg	330	112	8	82
Sodium, Na	mg	41	14	1	dix
Zinc, Zn	mg	0,11	0,04	0	0,03
						mg	43	14,6	1.1	10,8
Thiamine	mg	0,09	0,031	0,002	0,022
Riboflavine	mg	0,12	0,041	0,003	0,03
Niacine	mg	0,2	0,068	0,005	0,05
Vitamine B-6	mg	0,129	0,044	0,003	0,032
Folate, DFE	µg	9	3	0	2
Vitamine A, RAE	µg	160	54	4	40
Vitamine A, UI	UI	3191	1085	80	798
Vitamine E (alpha-tocophérol)	mg	1	0,34	0,03	0,25
Vitamine K (phylloquinone)	µg	250	85	6.2	62,5

Source: Base de données nationale sur les éléments nutritifs de l'USDA, cresson, brut

Quels sont les avantages pour la santé du cresson?

Le cresson est riche en isothiocyanates qui peuvent aider à prévenir le cancer et à renforcer l'immunité. Les nitrates contenus dans le légume favorisent la santé cardiaque et peuvent également améliorer vos performances physiques. D'autres nutriments contenus dans ce légume peuvent aider à prévenir l'ostéoporose et à faciliter le traitement du diabète.

1. Peut aider à la prévention du cancer

Le cresson combat les espèces réactives de l'oxygène, contribuant ainsi à la prévention du cancer. Les légumes crucifères, y compris le cresson, contiennent des composés organosulfurés et des isothiocyanates qui jouent un rôle à cet égard (3).

On a également constaté que le cresson supprime le développement du cancer du sein. Cela pourrait être attribué à l'isothiocyanate de phényléthyle, un composé du légume. Ce composé interfère avec la fonction d'une protéine qui joue un rôle dans le développement du cancer du sein (4).

Ce composé a également été trouvé pour aider à prévenir le cancer du poumon chez les fumeurs (5). Le cresson améliore également les effets thérapeutiques de la radiothérapie anticancéreuse (6).

Le cresson peut également jouer un rôle dans la prévention du cancer colorectal. Dans une étude, un groupe de population néo-zélandaise avec une forte consommation de cresson a montré de faibles taux de cancer colorectal (7).

2. Peut favoriser la santé cardiaque

Reports suggest that nutrient-dense veggies, like watercress, are more likely to protect people from heart disease (2). Studies show that cruciferous vegetables, in general, have cardioprotective properties (8).

These green leafy veggies also contain nitrates, which promote heart health. Dietary nitrates lower blood pressure levels and prevent platelet aggregation. They improve endothelial function and exercise performance in individuals (9). Nitrates achieve this by reducing arterial stiffness and thickness and their inflammation (9).

In rat studies, watercress extracts could reduce levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol (10). More human studies are warranted, though.

3. May Aid Diabetes Treatment

There is not a lot of research to support this claim. However, one study states that watercress may have a beneficial effect on serum glucose levels. The study conducted on diabetic rats found that extracts of watercress could lower the levels of both serum glucose and serum cholesterol. These effects, if replicated in humans, can have beneficial effects on individuals with diabetes (11).

People with diabetes also tend to have a higher risk of vascular disorders, including hypertension and neuropathy. The nitric oxide in watercress can help alleviate this (12).

The nitric oxide can also reduce the risk of other diabetes complications, like blindness and limb amputations (12).

4. Can Promote Bone Health

Rutin, a flavonoid found in watercress, was found to stimulate the formation of osteoblasts (cells that secrete the matrix for bone formation) (13). The vegetable was also found to stimulate bone mineralization, which is an important function to prevent osteoporosis.

The vitamin K in watercress also plays a major role in bone health. Deficiency of this nutrient has been linked to higher rates of osteoporosis and fractures (14).

5. May Boost Immune Function

In a study involving fish, watercress was found to boost immune function. The nutrients of watercress that contribute to its immune-boosting effects include vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, folic acid, iron, glucosinolates, and calcium (15).

Watercress showed similar effects in another study involving broilers. Including watercress in their diet could improve the performance and immune response of the broilers (16).

The vitamin C in the vegetable, in specific, also has beneficial effects on the immune system. 34 grams of watercress offers about 24% of the daily value of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to boost immune function by promoting the production of white blood cells (17).

6. May Promote Athletic Performance

We have seen that watercress contains nitrates. There is some research that states that these nitrates may boost athletic performance. They relax your blood vessels and improve nitric oxide levels in the blood. This may promote athletic performance (18).

On the contrary, other research shows that watercress may have a negative impact on exercise performance (19). Hence, more research is warranted in this regard.

7. May Improve Skin Health

Watercress may help reduce skin inflammation. The use of watercress in the cutaneous inflammatory process treatment has been well documented. Interestingly, the use of watercress for treating skin inflammation may produce no adverse effects (as opposed to the conventional treatment methods) (20).

The vitamin A in watercress also contributes to skin health. It protects the skin cells from damage due to free radicals. The nutrient also boosts resistance to skin infections (21).

The isothiocyanates in watercress can prevent skin cancer too. These compounds interfere with malignant cells and restore normal cell function (22).

8. May Aid Weight Loss

Watercress is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in calories. Hence, one can include it in a weight loss diet. It would be a way of getting more nutrients with fewer calories.

Though there is no research citing the direct weight loss effects of watercress, you definitely can try including it in your weight loss diet.

Watercress is a humble veggie with an incredible nutrient profile. Including it in your regular diet would sure be a wise move. But how do you do it?

How To Incorporate Watercress Into Your Diet

Due to its tenderness, watercress sautés faster than most other greens. It also imparts a mild spice and tang to any dish it is added to. You can incorporate this veggie into your diet in the following ways:

• Toss it into a salad. Include watercress in your evening vegetable salad. You can also eat it along with a delectable dash of pepper.
• Add it to your wrap or sandwich. You can complement this with grilled cheese.
• Add it your breakfast omelet or egg scramble.
• Include watercress in your morning vegetable juice.

There is nothing that should stop you from eating watercress every day. But before you do that, you ought to know the potential adverse effects this vegetable may cause.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Watercress?

May Interfere With Thyroid Health

Most cruciferous vegetables, including watercress, contain compounds called goitrogens that may interfere with iodine metabolism. Iodine is a nutrient essential for thyroid health, and this interference may cause thyroid issues (23).

Individuals with thyroid issues may have to limit their intake of watercress (and other cruciferous vegetables) and consult their doctor.

May Aggravate Kidney Disease

Watercress contains potassium, though only in low amounts. Excess potassium may aggravate kidney disease (24). If you are dealing with kidney issues, please check with your doctor before adding watercress to your diet. Your doctor may suggest you limit consumption and even advice you on the right dosage.

Insufficient Information On Its Effects During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

There is less information available on the safety of watercress during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence, please check with your doctor before you include the vegetable in your diet.

Conclusion

Now we know why watercress was a staple in the diets of Roman soldiers. Its potent antioxidants may keep diseases at bay and promote athletic performance. Adding it to your diet is quite simple. Be wary of its adverse effects, though.

Do tell us how you have liked this article. Anything else about watercress you want to know? Let us know by leaving a comment in the box below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

What is the right dosage of watercress?

The right dosage of watercress depends on the user’s health condition, age, and other factors. There is little information on the appropriate dosage of watercress. Your doctor can guide you better.

Can you eat watercress raw?

Yes, you can eat watercress raw, but it may taste a little bitter. You can toss raw watercress into your vegetable salad.

Can you freeze fresh watercress?

Yes, you can freeze fresh watercress. This works best if you use the veggie in a soup or a smoothie or any other cooked recipe.

Can you eat the watercress stalks?

Oui. En fait, la plante entière est comestible. Vous pouvez manger ses feuilles, ses tiges et même les fleurs de la plante. Vous pouvez toutefois jeter les racines, car elles n'ont pas bon goût.

Quel est le goût du cresson?

Le cresson cru a un goût poivré. Une fois cuit, vous pourrez profiter de sa saveur végétale distinctive.

24 sources

Stylecraze a des directives d'approvisionnement strictes et s'appuie sur des études évaluées par des pairs, des instituts de recherche universitaires et des associations médicales. Nous évitons d'utiliser des références tertiaires. Vous pouvez en savoir plus sur la manière dont nous garantissons que notre contenu est exact et à jour en lisant notre politique éditoriale.

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