Lettuce is cultivated as a leaf vegetable and it has numerous health benefits. There are different types of Lettuce and these include iceberg, Romaine, Crisphead, Butterhead to mention a few. All of these are very nutritious.
Below are some reasons you should eat more lettuce:
Better Sleep
Lettuce induces sleep. The white fluid that is seen when you cut lettuce leaves is called lactucarium. Lactucarium has relaxing and sleep-inducing properties similar to opium but without the strong side effects. Simply eat a few leaves or drink some lettuce juice and it helps you to relax and sleep better.
Protein
Lettuce has 20 % of its calories in protein. Like all whole foods, much of the protein in lettuce is complete but that amount can be increased by combining with other proteins. You can increase protein intake by eating lettuce with beans, meats and assorted dairy products.
Protects Against Cancer
Lettuce leaf extracts can prevent the spread of leukemia cells and breast cancer cells. Lettuce also contains flavonoids which help to protect the body from lung and oral cavity cancers. Thus, adding lettuce in your diet can help fight off breast cancer cells.
Prevents Heart Disease
High levels of bad cholesterol in the body can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Lettuce contains Vitamin C and beta-carotene that work together to prevent the artery walls forming as plaques which can block off and break the blood flow. Thus it prevents the oxidation of cholesterol and thus protects our heart against diseases.
Low-Calorie Content
One cup of Lettuce contains approximately 15 calories and zero fat. The low-calorie content makes it an ideal healthy snack to munch on throughout the day or whenever you’re feeling a little hungry without any fear of accumulating calories.
The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Source: Guardian Newspaper
