Garden Cress is an edible related to the family of watercress, mustard and is known for its peppery, tangy flavour and aroma.

It is a winter perennial and the leaves are extensively used as a garnish in European foods like pasta, sandwiches, while the tiny, nutty seeds are used in salads, soups and smoothies.

A mature Garden Cress plant produces white flowers and small seed pods, surprisingly all parts of garden cress are edible - leaves, stems, and seeds.

Garden Cress seeds are heaped with nutrients including iron, folate, Vitamin C, A, E, fibre and protein and include these in your daily diet to enjoy a broad spectrum of health benefits.

Also Checkout: 5 Fruits Abundant In Vitamin C To Bolster Immunity - Infographics

Health Benefits Of Garden Cress Seeds

Prevents Asthma

The symptoms of asthma can be remarkably lowered by taking Garden Cress seeds as the presence of an active compound aids in improving the lung functions. Chewing Garden Cress seeds serves as a good expectorant that helps in treating cough and sore throat.

Improves Haemoglobin

Consuming Garden Cress seeds helps in improving haemoglobin levels in the long run and treats anemia. The richness of iron in Garden Cress seeds promotes the production of red blood cells.

Good For Gut Health

The abundance of fibre in Garden Cress seeds is a potent laxative that helps in relieving the symptoms of constipation and indigestion. Eating it regularly helps in regularizing the bowel movements. It can also be given to children mixed with water to treat colic issues.

Regulates Menstruation

Garden Cress seeds is a natural way to normalize the irregular menstrual cycle. The phytochemicals in Garden Cress seeds are very similar to the estrogen hormone that helps in regularizing the cycle.

Boosts Memory

Garden Cress seeds are abundant in essential fats linolenic acids and arachidonic fatty acids and this combination of good fats functions as an excellent memory-booster.

Good For Skin And Hair Health

Garden Cress seeds paste mixed with honey is an excellent remedy to treat sunburn, irritated skin, and dry skin and soothe the skin. In addition, this blend can even be applied on your dry and chapped lips.

It is super rich in protein and other essential minerals such as iron and magnesium that prevent hair loss, you can either eat it or apply paste on the hair, for naturally shiny hair.

Promotes Production Of Breast-Milk:

Breast milk is extremely beneficial towards the young ones since it is ideal for their nourishment and strengthening of their immune system. Enriched with high amounts of protein and iron, garden cress seeds portray potent galactagogue property. This is quintessential for lactating women as it boosts the secretion of milk from the mammary glands. Hence, breast-feeding mothers are encouraged to include food containing garden cress seeds to enhance milk production.

Also Read: Five Top Foods To Stimulate Lactation

Regulates Diabetes

The excellent anti-glycemic nature of these tiny seeds holds high significance in alleviating the blood sugar levels of the body. The presence of glue in the germinated seed coat that contains a phytochemical called lepidimoid shows a potent hypoglycemic property. The production of insulin from the pancreatic β-cells becomes active on taking garden cress seeds. It also helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn leads to low blood glucose levels.

Facilitates Weight Loss

Thanks to the abundance of flavonoids, garden cress seeds help the body shed excess weight faster. Owing to the presence of fibre and essential nutrients, the addition of these seeds alongside regular diet satiates sudden hunger pangs and prevents overeating and hence can play a pivotal role in one’s weight loss regimen.

Bolsters Immunity

Imbued with a quarry of antioxidants and Vitamin A and C, garden cress seeds offer an absolute remedy for improving the immune system, fighting microbes and shielding the body against various infections. It also portrays the presence of anti-microbial properties, which is extremely effective in preventing infections like fever, common cold, sore throat, and other respiratory anomalies