ALL About Lettuce, Health Benefits and How to Use?

Lettuce is probably the most popular leafiest and greenest vegetables liked all around the world. Definitely, it would be the ‘The King’ when comes to packing a punch of antioxidants and vitamins. Those who buy organic food in India, lettuce is their first choice as it can be used in raw, semi cooked or cooked form along with a great taste and powerpack benefits.

What is Lettuce?

Scientifically called Lactuva sativa, lettuce is an annual plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This vegetable is often used in salads and other kinds of foods like sandwiches, soups, and wraps. You can also use it in grilled form. Also, it is easily cultivated, and it requires low temperatures to prevent the plant from flowering quickly. It is a rich source of vitamins K and A.

It looks like cabbage, however different from it as it has a great water content and more crunchier.

Nutrient Profile of Lettuce:

Cholesterol 0 mg 0%

Total fat 0.2 g      0%

Saturated fat 0 g 0%

Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g

      

Monounsaturated fat 0 g 

     

Amount Per 1 leaf inner (5 g)

Calories 15

Sodium 28 mg     1%

Potassium 194 mg        5%

Total Carbohydrate 2.9 g        0%

Dietary fiber 1.3 g          5%

Sugar 0.8 g

Protein 1.4 g        2%

Vitamin A   148%

Vitamin C   15%

Calcium     3%  

  

Iron   4%

Vitamin B-6         5%   

 

Vitamin B-12        0%

Magnesium 3%

The vitamin A in lettuce is in the form of provitamin A carotenoid, which the body converts into retinol to offer the benefits.

Now, let’s see what these nutrients are important for – the benefits.

Benefits of Lettuce:

Here are some benefits of Lettuce so that why you buy organic food in India, get it in your list:

1. Certain proteins in lettuce (or Romaine lettuce), like lipoxygenase, help control inflammation.
2. lettuce helps bridge the micronutrient gap that is otherwise hard to achieve on a low-calorie diet. It is also extremely low in fat and hence makes a weight loss meal more meaningful. 
3. Extreme cases of brain harm can lead to the death of neuronal cells, leading to severe brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. it is also rich in dietary nitrate. This compound is converted to nitric oxide in the body, which is a cellular signaling molecule that promotes endothelial function.  
4. Romaine lettuce is a good source of folate, which is a B vitamin that converts homocysteine. Lettuce is also a rich source of vitamins A and C, both of which help oxidize cholesterol and strengthen the arteries. These two nutrients also improve blood flow and prevent heart attacks.
5. Lettuce consumption has been linked to a lowered risk of stomach cancer.

Looking at these benefits, you must want it in your daily diet. Switch to Digi’s Fresh to buy organic food online.