SUPER FOOD

Watercress The Most Super of all Superfoods?

By Anja Springthorpe

You’ve probably heard about superfoods, a frequently used, and misused, tag to promote foods believed to provide benefits for health and wellness. Because the name “superfood” is not officially regulated, there is no telling just how good these foods really are for us. This fact inspired a team of researchers at the William Paterson University in New Jersey to rank a number of these so-called superfoods based on their nutritional value.

Watercress was crowned the clear winner (leaving Chinese cabbage and chard as runner-ups). After comparing levels of fiber, potassium, calcium, folate, vitamin C and a number of other important nutrients, watercress was awarded an astonishing score of 100 out of 100, making this tender-leafed plant a bona fide superfood.

One of watercress’ many benefits are the high levels of vitamin K which are not only needed for healthy blood clotting but also to maintain bone health and reduce fracture risk. All you need is one cup of watercress per day to get 100 percent of your vitamin K requirements.

Watercress is also associated with improved cardiovascular health. The high levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium support lower blood pressure and may help to reduce the development of narrow arteries – the main culprit for heart attacks.

Because of its high nutrient content, watercress is an all-rounder when it comes to health and wellbeing. Some studies suggest that watercress consumption may also be beneficial in the management of diabetes and certain cancers as well as supporting weightloss and improving energy levels. No wonder that Hippocrates, “the father of medicine,” recommended watercress dishes for many of his patients on a regular basis.

HOW TO ADD WATERCRESS TO YOUR DIET: • Use watercress instead of basil to make pesto. • Add watercress leaves to your favorite smoothie recipe. • Watercress makes a great base for a peppery soup. • Add watercress to sandwiches, wraps and salads. • Add chopped watercress to scrambled eggs, stews, meats and fish.

Some studies suggest that watercress consumption may also be beneficial in the management of diabetes and certain cancers

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” ― Bil Keane

A celebration is defined simply as marking one’s pleasure at an important event or occasion by engaging in enjoyable, social activity. We celebrate our important holidays, family events and personal accomplishments, but how often do we celebrate everyday life or ourselves for that matter?

This issue of Inspire Health is all about celebrating now! When you make it a habit to celebrate yourself and those you love each and every day, you boost your confidence, you learn to communicate with others – even people you have nothing in common with – and you create a joyful life in the process.

You don’t need an excuse to celebrate the ordinary. So, don’t wait for Thanksgiving or Christmas to take stock of who or what you have. Look at life’s gifts each and every day and don’t forget to celebrate!

To a wonderfully ordinary day, Liz McGehee

Find us online!

www.ihnola.com

Help us inspire others! We want to know what inspires you to live healthy. You could be published in the next issue of Inspire Health magazine. Email us at editor@ihnola.com.

Hello Friends, Along with celebrating life, the Inspire Health team is celebrating new people, places and things!

People… I am excited to introduce our new ad sales representative, Sarah Lundstedt. Sarah has joined our team because of her love for the Inspire Health mission. She’s studying to be a yoga instructor, and she’s an animal activist. A perfect fit for both the Inspire Health team and you, our readers! Please help us welcome Sarah! If you are interested in advertising, give her a shout at sarah@igofox.com. Places… Since our move to our new office, lots of exciting things have been happening! We plan to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in August! Invites will be sent out soon. It’s time for a party!

Things… There’s a new magazine in town. In August, we will launch our latest publication, Home and Garden Decorator. This beautifully designed and written book is your go-to for DIY inspiration on home gardening projects, entertaining, decorating and even real estate tips for selling your home. Look for Home and Garden alongside Inspire Health on the Northshore and the Southshore this spring!

We want to celebrate with you! If you have a special event right around the corner, send the event information to editor@inspirehealthmag.com, and we will list it on our upcoming events page. If you have a ribbon cutting, let us know, and we will come with a camera. Our mission is to support local businesses and offer ideas for fresh natural living to all of our readers.

The Healthy Refrigerator Contest:

This month we are holding a healthy refrigerator contest to promote healthy eating and give back to our community. To participate, simply take a photo of your refrigerator contents and post it on our Facebook page. The healthiest refrigerator will win an Inspire Health bicycle! The winner will be announced on September 1st. For more contest details, visit our website at www.ihnola.com.

Best, Suzanne Fox

çInspire Health is a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to women’s health & lifestyle issues. It contains the information and inspiration that encourages healthy lifestyles, positive relationships and support for the environment and community.

Call Suzanne Fox,

504.812.7835 ex 1002 or email: editor@ihnola.com

INSPIRE Staff

Executive Publishers HAL G. FOX & SUZANNE POLK FOX

Section Writers

Cover PATRICIA DANFLOUS

Fitness

TAMI CHARBONNET Health ANJA SPRINGTHORPE Fashion & Beauty WHITNEY ALEXANDRA Kids & Family MICHELE ROBERT POCHE Destinations SUZANNE POLK FOX Editor LIZ MCGEHEE

Creative Team Director DIANNE WALLER Art JENNIFER CABALLERO Design TRA PHAM Web NEAL BOYD

© 2017 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC, New Orleans, LA All rights reserved. Printed in the USA by Fox Print Services (igofox.com)

The information contained in Inspire Health is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Inspire Health for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Inspire Health, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Inspire Health and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Inspire Health. Readers should not use the information in Inspire Health for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem. IH30-32pg-V2