Watercress

Habitat:

Growing in a stream on a farm track

Notes:

Wiki - One of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans. Watercress contains significant amounts of iron, calcium, iodine, and folic acid, in addition to vitamins A and C.[5] Because it is relatively rich in Vitamin C, watercress was suggested (among other plants) by English military surgeon John Woodall (1570–1643) as a remedy for scurvy. In some regions, watercress is regarded as a weed, in other regions as an aquatic vegetable or herb. Watercress crops grown in the presence of manure can be a haven for parasites such as the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica.[6] Many benefits from eating watercress are claimed, such as that it acts as a stimulant, a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants, a diuretic, an expectorant, and a digestive aid.[7] It also appears to have antiangiogenic cancer-suppressing properties; it is widely believed to help defend against lung cancer.[8][9][10][11] A 2010 study conducted by the University of Southampton found that consumption of watercress may also inhibit the growth of breast cancer.[12] The content of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) in watercress inhibits HIF, which can inhibit angiogenesis. Watercress is mentioned in the Talmud as being able to stop bleeding, when mixed with vinegar.[13]