Watercress
Apples, broccoli and tomatoes are often cited as the “wonder” fruit and vegetables, but gram for gram, watercress is a better source of vitamins C, B1, B6, K and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Only raw broccoli has more vitamin C and magnesium – but it is much more often eaten cooked in this country.
Watercress is brimming with beta-carotene and vitamin A equivalents - which as well as being important antioxidants are also needed for healthy skin and eyes - containing more than four times the amount of the other “wonder” foods.
Watercress contains greater quantities of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, types of carotenoids that act as antioxidants, meaning they can mop up potentially damaging free radicals. Quercetin, a type of flavonoid and a powerful antioxidant, is also found in greater quantities in watercress than broccoli and tomatoes.
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