The Claim
Daily consumption of a freeze-dried watercress drink providing 40 mg of 2-phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) for two weeks significantly increases the detoxification of environmental carcinogens in non-smokers, as measured by elevated levels of six mercapturic acid biomarkers with effect sizes ranging from 12.4% to 70.7%.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Drinking a freeze-dried watercress beverage containing 40 mg of PEITC every day for two weeks increases the body's ability to eliminate environmental carcinogens, as shown by higher levels of six specific biomarkers in non-smokers.
See the scientific wording
Consumption of a freeze-dried watercress drink providing 40 mg of 2-phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) daily for two weeks significantly increases detoxification of environmental carcinogens in non-smokers, with effect sizes ranging from 12.4% to 70.7% for six mercapturic acid biomarkers, indicating that the benefit is not limited to tobacco-exposed populations.
A compound in watercress enters the body and changes a protein that normally holds back a master switch for detox genes. This switch turns on, making more enzymes that attach a natural molecule called glutathione to toxic chemicals in the body. These tagged toxins are then processed into waste products that leave the body through urine.
What the research says
1 studyPeople who don’t smoke who drank a watercress drink every day for two weeks showed their bodies got better at flushing out harmful chemicals from air pollution, like smoke and car exhaust, based on tests in their urine.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.