Post by theshee on Sept 15, 2010 21:07:51 GMT 10
A simple salad could prevent the onset of breast cancer thanks to the health-boosting properties of watercress, scientists have claimed.
Eating a single portion of watercress is enough to increase the number of cancer-fighting molecules in the bloodstream within hours and could prevent the condition from developing, researchers said.
Watercress could also prevent the recurrence of the disease in recovering breast cancer sufferers, the report from the University of Southampton claimed.
Volunteers who ate 80 grams of watercress per day regularly were noticed to have significant health benefits, according to the pilot study.
In 2007, there were 45,972 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.
Last week figures showed that breast cancer survival rates in Britain have increased almost ten per cent in a decade.
Between 1995 and 2006 the proportion of women who lived for at least five more years after being diagnosed increased from 73.4 per cent to 81.3 per cent in England.
www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7999955/Watercress-can-help-prevent-cancer.html
Some facts about watercress -
Contains anticancer properties.
Helps protect the eyes because it contains a high level of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Helps to normalize cholesterol and blood pressure.
Increases sexual energy and enhances fertility.
HelS improved memory, mental function and to retard ageing.
Is a powerful cleanser of the body, especially the bloodstream.
Can help increase production of breast milk.
Is low in calories and high in potassium which is valued for weight loss, as its diuretic action draws excess fluid down and out of the body.
Helps improve digestion by regulating the flow of bile.
Is valued for clearing and improving the complexion.
The chlorophyll-rich leaves are chewed to absorb breath odors.
Chewing raw watercress leaves can cure bleeding gums.
Watercress leaves are used as a poultice for the relief of enlarged prostate gland. The poultice can also treat swollen feet and sprained ankles.
Watercress is a good source of iodine, which is important to the function of the thyroid gland.
Watercress is rich calcium which can strengthen the bones and teeth.
Eating a single portion of watercress is enough to increase the number of cancer-fighting molecules in the bloodstream within hours and could prevent the condition from developing, researchers said.
Watercress could also prevent the recurrence of the disease in recovering breast cancer sufferers, the report from the University of Southampton claimed.
Volunteers who ate 80 grams of watercress per day regularly were noticed to have significant health benefits, according to the pilot study.
In 2007, there were 45,972 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.
Last week figures showed that breast cancer survival rates in Britain have increased almost ten per cent in a decade.
Between 1995 and 2006 the proportion of women who lived for at least five more years after being diagnosed increased from 73.4 per cent to 81.3 per cent in England.
www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7999955/Watercress-can-help-prevent-cancer.html
Some facts about watercress -
Contains anticancer properties.
Helps protect the eyes because it contains a high level of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Helps to normalize cholesterol and blood pressure.
Increases sexual energy and enhances fertility.
HelS improved memory, mental function and to retard ageing.
Is a powerful cleanser of the body, especially the bloodstream.
Can help increase production of breast milk.
Is low in calories and high in potassium which is valued for weight loss, as its diuretic action draws excess fluid down and out of the body.
Helps improve digestion by regulating the flow of bile.
Is valued for clearing and improving the complexion.
The chlorophyll-rich leaves are chewed to absorb breath odors.
Chewing raw watercress leaves can cure bleeding gums.
Watercress leaves are used as a poultice for the relief of enlarged prostate gland. The poultice can also treat swollen feet and sprained ankles.
Watercress is a good source of iodine, which is important to the function of the thyroid gland.
Watercress is rich calcium which can strengthen the bones and teeth.