Evidence supporting the use of: Watercress
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) has been used traditionally in various cultures for its purported health benefits, including for skin health. Scientifically, watercress is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene and glucosinolates, which are thought to help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and support collagen production. Some small studies and in vitro research suggest these nutrients can contribute to improved skin appearance and reduced inflammation. For example, a small clinical study published in 2016 found that daily consumption of watercress for eight weeks led to improvements in skin antioxidative status and a reduction in DNA damage in skin cells. Additionally, the vitamin C content in watercress is well-established for its role in collagen synthesis and skin repair. However, the direct evidence for watercress as a treatment for general skin conditions (such as acne, eczema, or aging) is limited and mostly extrapolated from its nutrient profile and general antioxidant effects rather than from large, high-quality clinical trials specifically targeting skin health. Most claims are supported by its overall nutritional benefits and a few small-scale studies rather than robust, condition-specific research. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and early evidence for watercress supporting skin health, more rigorous human studies are needed to substantiate its efficacy for specific skin care concerns.

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3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
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Allantoin
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alpha-terpineol
amaranth
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anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arbutin
argan nut oil
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astaxanthin
avocado
azelaic acid
beet
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beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Biopeptide
birch
bird\'s nest
bisabolene
black currant
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borage
bottle gourd
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butternut
California chia
camphor oil
candelilla wax
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castile soap
catalase
cereal grass
chervil
chickweed
citral
cocoa butter
colostrum
copaiba oil
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
currant
d-alpha tocopherol
David\'s milkberry
dog rose
dulse
dulse leaf
Dunaliella salina
egg
emu oil
flavans
Gac
geraniol
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glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
Glycosylceramides
goji berry
Haematococcus pluvialis
Heartsease
heartwood
Himalayan salt
Houttuynia
hyaluronic acid
Kachnar
keratin
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
limonene
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
loquat
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mandarin
mango
manzanita
Mesua
mixed carotenoids
Mung bean
Nectarine
Night jessamine
Oak
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
oryza
palmitic acid
Panthenol
Pelvetia canaliculata
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Phytoene
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procyanidin
procyanidol
pumpkin
radish
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rockweed
root tuber
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sesame
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spinach
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vegetable oil
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vitamin A
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Xanthophyll
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