
Watercress reigns supreme in nutrition.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), watercress is the most nutritious vegetable among 41 surveyed, achieving a perfect score of 100. Following closely behind are Chinese cabbage (91.99 points), Swiss chard (89.27), kale (87.08), and spinach (86.43).
These vegetables contain 17 essential nutrients, including potassium, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, and many other vital nutrients. In particular, with its abundant nutritional content, watercress is considered very suitable for children during their developmental stage.
The world's most nutritious vegetable, watercress, contains twice as much calcium as cow's milk.
Watercress
Plant once, harvest for many years, exceptional yield
Unlike many common vegetables, watercress has impressive growth and yield. According to watercress farmers, the cultivation process requires well-prepared paddy fields, organic fertilizer, and regular irrigation. After about a week, the watercress stems take root, and the first harvest can be done after two months.
Remarkably, after each harvest, simply adding organic fertilizer and NPK allows the watercress to quickly regenerate and yield another harvest after 50 days. Some families even plant watercress once and harvest it for decades. However, according to experienced growers, crop rotation with other plants after about 7-10 years will help watercress yield better quality and productivity.
Rich in calcium, supporting stronger bones than cow's milk
One of the biggest advantages of watercress is its superior calcium content. 100g of watercress can provide up to 120mg of calcium, while 100g of cow's milk only contains about 123mg. However, considering the same weight, watercress is a rich source of calcium, playing a crucial role in helping children's bones develop strong and healthy.
Watercress, the world's most nutritious vegetable, contains twice as much calcium as cow's milk.
Besides calcium, watercress also contains many other essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C, K, A, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, fiber, and folic acid, all of which are essential nutrients for children's development.
Notes on Feeding Watercress to Children
When to introduce watercress to your baby: Children from 6 months old and up, when they start complementary feeding, can be introduced to watercress.
Preparation: Watercress should be thoroughly cooked and pureed to make it easier for your baby to digest and prevent choking. Watercress can be combined with beef, pork, shrimp, or prepared into soups or porridges for your baby.
Notes on preparation and use:
Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables from a reliable source and wash them thoroughly before preparation.
Do not feed your child too much watercress at once to avoid bloating and indigestion.
Watercress is one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, containing twice as much calcium as cow's milk.
Monitor your child's symptoms after eating; if there are any unusual signs, consult a doctor.
Limit giving children watercress along with crucian carp, turtles, bananas, and snakehead fish to avoid affecting digestion and nutrient absorption.
Children taking anticoagulants should limit their watercress intake as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
Storage: Watercress should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
With its outstanding nutritional benefits, watercress deserves to be a top choice for children's meals, helping your little one stay healthy and develop comprehensively.