From fighting inflammation to reducing oxidative stress: This is the top anti-aging food in the world, reveals top doc – The Times of India

Watercress, also known as jalakumbhee, is a leading anti-aging food globally because it contains multiple antioxidants, vitamins and specific compounds, which fight wrinkles, make skin look more radiant and extend cell life span. The peppery leafy green ranks as the most nutrient-dense food according to ANDI scores, which the CDC developed from studies. The fruit contains more than 15 times the vitamin C content of an orange, which helps protect cells from the oxidative stress that causes aging. Dr. John Valentine, M.D, tells us more…

Nutrient powerhouse against agingWatercress contains high levels of antioxidants-including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin-that fight free radicals which are unstable molecules that damage DNA and create wrinkles and inflammation. The ANDI system gives this food a perfectscore of 100/100, because it contains dense nutrients surpassing 41 other foods that contain vitamins A, C, K and E which help build collagen for better skin elasticity. The 34 calorie content per 100g serving of this food delivers 100% of your daily vitamin K needs, which supports blood vessel health and bone strength for aging with dignity. Sulforaphane which stems from glucosinolates triggers Nrf2 pathway activation to produce detox enzymes that protect against age-related deterioration.Skin youthSunlight and environmental pollution, create free radicals that damage collagen structures, but watercress’s vitamin C enhances collagen production by eight times, and vitamin A accelerates skin cell renewal for better skin texture. Daily carrot consumption leads to a 33% increase in skin antioxidant levels of beta-carotene and vitamin C, which protects the skin from UV damage according to research. Quercetin reduces inflammation which helps minimize redness and acne scars, resulting in better skin tone. Research has also indicated that nitrates help improve blood circulation, enabling oxygen delivery to the skin, resulting in a plump and radiant appearance and decreased fine lines, after using the product for multiple weeks.Fighting oxidative stress and inflammationThe aging process develops because of oxidative stress. On the other hand, watercress consumption reduces malondialdehyde levels (a damage indicator) and increases catalase enzyme activity, in both smoking and non-smoking individuals, during a 7-day period. The compounds phenolics and flavonoids, help reduce ongoing inflammation which results in the development of arthritis and heart disease. The 85g raw combination of lutein and beta-carotene in trials protects eyes from macular degeneration, which is the leading age-related eye condition. The low glycemic load of this substance helps control blood sugar levels, which protects collagen from glycation that causes collagen stiffness.

Detox and cellular protectionWhen one consumes watercress regularly, the body transforms gluconasturtiin into phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) which starts phase II enzyme activation, to remove carcinogens and heavy metals, resulting in slower aging-related cancer development. Research on animals demonstrates that this compound functions as a liver protector against toxic substances, maintaining the detoxifying organs that contribute to youthful skin appearance. The electrolytes containing high levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium help women manage menopause symptoms, which include hot flashes that speed up aging processes.Heart and brain longevity boostPatients’ blood pressure decreases by 4mmHg according to studies when they receive nitrates, which also reduce their risk of heart disease by 20%. The treatment becomes essential because arteries become more rigid during the aging process. The combination of folate and B-vitamins, works to decrease homocysteine levels which protects brain blood vessels from developing stroke and dementia. The brain receives two essential benefits from omega-3 traces, because they contain half of the daily lutein amount which protects the eyes.Cancer-Fighting edgeResearch shows that isothiocyanates trigger cell death in damaged cells, resulting in decreased breast, lung and colon cancer occurrence in population-based studies. Research shows that watercress and other brassicas activate Nrf2, resulting in a 15-20% reduction of cancer risk according to a review.