Watercress against cancer and cataracts

[flamingdem]

I want to know more about this for sure:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/63314.php

Eating watercress daily can significantly reduce DNA damage to blood cells, which is considered to be an important trigger in the development of cancer, University of Ulster scientists revealed today (15 February).

The research, published in this month's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that in addition to reducing DNA damage, a daily portion of watercress also increased the ability of those cells to resist further DNA damage caused by free radicals**.

The dietary trial involved 30 healthy men and 30 healthy women (including 30 smokers) eating an 85g bag (a cereal bowl full) of fresh watercress every day for eight weeks. The beneficial changes were greatest among the smokers. This may reflect the greater toxic burden or oxidative stress amongst the smokers, as smokers were also found to have significantly lower antioxidant levels at the start of the study compared to the non-smokers.

more at link

[niyad]

1. interesting, and thank you for posting. will definitely look into this more.

[flamingdem]

2. I've been buying Upland Watercress

Kind of expensive .. but spices up a salad. This article is talking about large quantities and I wonder what a grocery store bought bag costs. Supposedly it is grown hydroponically, maybe not the store brand. My concern is if I start consuming a lot - what if it's been sprayed with pesticides, defeats the purpose!

[longship]

3. 60 people is a very small trial.

Plus, when looking at a specific medical modality, one should never, ever look at a single trial. Instead, one should look at the entire medical literature. If a study has not been repeated, especially a small study like this, there is little to recommend the modality as a prophylactic measure.

It may turn out that it is, but I certainly wouldn't change my lifestyle to a watercress diet based on a single, small study like this one.

Unless, you really like watercress. But, I would eat other things as well.

My rule. Eat what you like. But eat a variety of things. The millions of years of primate evolution have given humans the mechanisms to live long and prosper. Don't overdo things. Exercise, but you don't need to overdo that either -- a brisk walk is sufficient. A diverse diet is good, too.

That is the secret to long life and happiness.

And enjoy a glass of fermented beverage once in a while, or even daily.

Unless you have a specific health issue, there is no monolithic answer to good health. It only happens in the aggregate. Ask any doctor. They'll agree with me.

I eat everything. I eat smaller portions these days. I try to keep it balanced, but I don't worry when I occasionally go out for a burger and fried onion rings and wash it down with a couple of beers.

All in moderation. Easy-peasy! That's the secret.

[flamingdem]

4. Good catch, I didn't notice the size of the trial

A doctor told me to not put much belief in trials under 2000 people.

There are other reports about watercress but yes we must be careful about even well meaning hucksterism that leads to spending money on massive piles of watercress.

I like it sure, but not the bulk variety I suspect.

It's probably as you say a good idea to add it as an element of the greens, along with spinach, kale etc.

I can't tolerate broccoli so it's a cruciferous that's less odious at least.

[longship]

5. Well, humans aren't dugongs!

Here's one eating... no doubt watercress.



Cute buggers, aren't they?

[flamingdem]

6. Aw, so adorable

like the Manatee. I hope they're not endangered, I'm afraid to google and find out. I'm happy to see he/she is eating their greens!

[glinda]

7. So cuuuute!

[HuckleB]

8. +1