Which organization designated watercress as the number one powerhouse fruit or vegetable based on nutrient density relative to its caloric count?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conferred the title of the number one powerhouse fruit or vegetable upon watercress. This ranking signifies that watercress achieved the top position when assessing its concentration of essential nutrients against the low number of calories it contains. This exceptional efficiency is a major factor contributing to its reputation as a nutrient-dense food, especially beneficial for weight management strategies where maximizing vitamin and mineral intake while minimizing caloric load is the objective. A single cup, weighing approximately 34 grams, contains only about four calories, underscoring the validity of the CDC's high ranking based on nutrient density metrics.
