Quick Read:
- Watercress scored a perfect 100 on the ANDI, while kale only scored a 49.
- It is bursting with critical breast cancer healing properties such as: Vitamin B17, Glycine, and Antioxidants.
- Eating it can help starve tumors, make treatments more effective, encourage detoxification, and provide deep nutrition.
What do you think the most nutritious vegetable is? Would either kale, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots come to mind? Well, here’s a surprise…
Drum rollllll…it is actually watercress! That peppery, verdant powerhouse often overlooked in the greens aisle, scoring a perfect 100 on the ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index)! Kale only scored 49.07. If you don’t believe us, Google “What is the most nutritious vegetable?” and be amazed by all the results!
At Breast Cancer Conqueror, we believe in the synergy between nature’s wisdom and modern science, and watercress is an ancient vegetable that has been healing people since the dawn of time. For example, it was consumed by explorers like Captain Cook to fight scurvy and has been used by ancient Romans and medieval healers as a remedy for everything from fever to mental fog. Fast forward to your healing story, watercress can provide superior nutrition to kick your body into ultimate healing mode!
What Makes Watercress So Nutritious?
Watercress is so nutritious because it’s a rare combo of being high-micronutrient, antioxidant-rich, and packed with unique phytochemicals that support detox, immunity, bone strength, and cancer defense.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin K. Essential for bone health and blood clotting (just 1 cup provides over 100% of your daily needs).
- Vitamin C. A powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and collagen production.
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene & lutein). Supports eye health, skin repair, and immune resilience.
- Calcium & Magnesium. For strong bones, muscle function, and nervous system balance.
- Potassium. Helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
But here are the nutritional facts that Breast Cancer Conquerors should know about:
Amygdalin/Vitamin B17
Amygdalin is used to make the compound, laetrile. It may aid in natural cancer healing by selectively killing cancer cells without affecting healthy ones. The Amygdalin/Vitamin B17combo is also praised for boosting your immune system, lowering blood pressure, and protecting skin from free radical harm. To learn more about Amygdalin/Vitamin B17, please review this blog post. [1]
Glycine
It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This damage has been known to be a cause of many dis-eases, including cancer. Watercress is brimming with glycine, and you can learn more about its healing powers via this blog post [2].
Cruciferous
Cruciferous vegetables (watercress is one of them) control cancer’s “on and off” switches. They are also nature’s detoxifiers, and you can dig into all their benefits via this blog post. [3]
Antioxidant Density
Watercress is packed with flavonoids and carotenoids (like lutein and zeaxanthin) that combat oxidative stress, one of the
main drivers of aging and cancer progression.
Recent Studies on Watercress and Breast Cancer Healing
As always, we look to the latest research, and here’s what it is showing:
Starves tumors.
In a human study out of the University of Southampton [4], volunteers consumed watercress, leading to measurable increases in PEITC levels in their blood, a key biomarker. In those same participants, protein function related to the cancer-promoting HIF (Hypoxia Inducible Factor) was altered, hinting at watercress’s potential to starve tumors of blood and oxygen.
Makes radiation more effective.
A 2025 study [5] highlighted a remarkable effect in breast cancer models: while watercress extracts and PEITC heightened DNA damage in MCF‑7 cancer cells when combined with radiation, intriguingly, they shielded healthy, non-tumorigenic MCF‑10A cells from that damage. This selective sensitivity suggests a promising adjunct role for watercress alongside radiation.
Encourages detoxification and circulation.
Thanks to its sulfur compounds (isothiocyanates), watercress may help support detox pathways in the liver. (Study [6]) Some studies also suggest its compounds can positively influence blood vessel function and circulation, making nutrients more available to cells. (Study [7])
Provides broad nutritional armor.
Watercress provides a constellation of phytonutrients: beta-carotene, lutein, kaempferol, vitamin C, and more, many tied to lower breast cancer risk or relapse. Think of it as a biochemical guardian. (Study [8])
The most effective way to eat watercress.
We suggest eating it raw in salads and smoothies for optimal nutritional absorption. However, eating it lightly sautéed still offers incredible healing benefits, and this Asian-style recipe [9] is a delicious one!
Additional healing superfoods to add to your list.
Of course, watercress isn’t the only tool you should use for healing breast cancer, but it certainly should be a mainstay in your kitchen. There are also plenty of other superfoods that offer superb nutrition and healing benefits.
Here are a few to add to your shopping list:
- Foods to eat during treatments. Discover the specific foods recommended by coaches to boost effectiveness and minimize side effects via this blog post. [10]
- Foods to eat for recurrence prevention. Similarly, discover the foods we suggest for preventing recurrence via this blog post. [11]
- Foods to suppress breast cancer stem cells. Discover our top recommendations via this blog post [12].
- Seaweed. Provides iodine and thyroid support for preventing and healing breast cancer. All details can be found in this blog post. [13]
- Chlorella and Spirulina. Gut and microbiome healing, sustainable energy, superior brain support, and immense nutrition are packed into every bite of these algae. Read this blog post [14] to learn more.
- Astaxanthin. It’s another algae that is overflowing with cancer healing benefits, such as supporting apoptosis, lowering inflammation, and reducing oxidative stress. More details can be found in this blog post. [15]
- Mushrooms. Uncover the top 8 most nutritious options for health and healing via this blog post. [16]
[17]
For more ways to live out Essential #1: Let Food Be Your Medicine of the 7 Essentials System® [18], take time to review these blogs [19] while enjoying some of our healthy breast recipes [20]!
If you are curious about diving deeper into figuring out your perfect (and realistic) anti-cancer diet, then sign up for our online course: Conquering Breast Cancer Together [17]. You will learn practical ways to harmoniously blend natural medicine with conventional care to curate the most effective plan for YOU.