We all know exercise is good for us, but that doesn't mean there's no downside — studies have shown that intense workouts release free radicals and lead to body stress. To protect against the effects of pounding on the treadmill, add watercress to your diet, researchers say.
In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, 10 men ate a small bag of watercress before they exercised vigorously on the treadmill. Their cells were compared with data of people who worked out similarly but without eating watercress. The results showed that the group who ate watercress had less DNA damage than those who hadn't eaten the watercress. This isn't the first time watercress has been shown to be a powerful protectant when it comes to DNA damage — talk about a superfood! The scientists found that the protective benefit from eating watercress was cumulative, so the more you eat, the more protection you'll receive.
Ready to dive into the crispy, slightly spicy produce? Here are three watercress recipes to try.
Chicken and Watercress Salad
Have only 15 minutes? This fast and easy chicken and watercress salad is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken.
Read on for two more recipes.
Turkey sandwiches are a pretty regular fixture in my everyday diet. They're healthy, delicious, and versatile. Thinly sliced deli turkey tastes good on all types of bread from 
Although a tartine is an open-faced French sandwich, this tartine recipe employs taleggio, a gooey Italian cheese. Taleggio smells stronger than it tastes and pairs well with fruit and bitter greens — in this case grapes and watercress. A quick vinaigrette combines grainy mustard with sherry vinegar and agave syrup. Don't skip the step that steeps the red onion in the vinaigrette because it gives the onion a slightly pickled flavor. To look at the recipe, 
It's not a new technique for celebrity chefs, magazines, and television networks to capitalize on Americans' lack of time — 
