Scientific name of garden cress is Lipidium sativum and it belongs to the family Brassicaceae. All members of Brassicaceae are believed to be originated in the region comprising of Western Europe, the Mediterranean region and the temperate regions of Asia. Though all Brassica vegetables are biennial in growth habit, they are grown as annuals for food purposes. Garden cress is grown as a cool season annual.

Health Benefits of Garden Cress

Garden Cress is rich in Dietary Fiber: Dietary fiber is good for human body. High fiber foods is good for weight loss as they take long time to get digested and also make you feel full for a long period of time. High fiber food aids in digestion, cures constipation, lowers blood cholesterol, cleanses the gastrointestinal tract and may reduce the risk of developing diabetes and colorectal cancer

Garden Cress is rich in Vitamin A: It is essential for eye health and also for strengthening body’s natural immune system. Vitamin A is also essential for tissue building, and skin health. Vitamin A Deficiency results in night blindness, and drying of skin and eyes.

Garden Cress is rich in Vitamin C: It is a powerful antioxidant vitamin. Vitamin C helps in absorption of iron and calcium. It increases body’s natural immunity. Vitamin C deficiency results in a disease called scurvy. Major symptoms of scurvy are bleeding gum, joint pain, and hair loss.

Garden Cress is rich in Folate: It is essential for energy production from food. It helps in synthesis of nucleic acids and proper functioning of immune system and blood production by facilitating functioning of iron and increasing production of RBCs. It also helps in controlling amino acid metabolism. Major deficiency symptoms include birth defects in new born babies, diarrhoea, hearing loss due to ageing, improper functioning of immune system, weakness, fatigue and headaches. Regular consumption of folic acid helps in slowing down progression of hearing loss with ageing; to prevent birth related defects in new born babies; for protection from cancer, heart diseases, depression and degeneration of body due to ageing; and to prevent memory loss and osteoporosis.

Garden Cress is rich in Vitamin K: It is essential for blood clotting, and for preventing heart diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis. Vitamin K deficiency results in bleeding gums and bleeding nose.

Garden Cress is rich in Iron: Iron is essential for RBC (red blood cell) formation and transfer oxygen between the tissues and within the blood. Red colour of blood is due to the presence of iron in it. Iron is essential for increasing body immunity and also for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Iron deficiency results in anaemic appearances, increase in heart rate and breathing, poor immune system, yellowing of the body and severe headaches.

Garden Cress is rich in Calcium: Major functions of Ca are blood clotting, nerve impulse and muscle contraction, and protection of bones from thinning. Calcium promotes bone health and teeth health. Calcium deficiency results in weakening of bones, rickets in children, tooth decay and pains in legs and back of the body.

Garden Cress is rich in Magnesium: Magnesium promotes appetite and regulates blood pressure. It also promotes kidney health. Magnesium deficiency may result in poor appetite, weakness, osteoporosis, kidney stones, depression and anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Garden Cress is rich in Potassium: It is an essential mineral that plays an important role in lowering blood pressure

We regularly publish informative videos on various “Food, Agriculture, Gardening and Horticulture” topics. You may view these videos here…

You may also check out our Digital Publishing Services for Food, Agriculture, Gardening and Horticulture Sector by visiting this link