Lettuce is one of the healthiest foods put on this planet. The green leafy vegetable contains many health benefits, such as maintaining normal blood sugar levels, fighting off inflammation, reducing the risk of heart disease and helping people lose weight. There are many different varieties of lettuce: Romaine, Chinese, crisp head, butterhead and summer crisp.
Romaine lettuce contains twice the protein, three times the Vitamin K, four times the iron, eight times the Vitamin C, and seventeen times the Vitamin A that iceberg lettuce does. Choose the Romaine variety over the others to reap the multitude of health benefits. Besides, no salad is complete without a few slices of the green leafy vegetable.
1. Whole Life Food
Lettuce is almost always consumed raw, which gives us more micronutrients than would be dissolved during the cooking process. Just make sure you wash the leaves thoroughly to get rid of any chemicals and bacteria.
2. Good for Your Heart
Romaine lettuce is considered to be one of the healthiest foods you can consume. Romaine lettuce is a rich source of Vitamin C and beta-carotene, which helps lower blood pressure, combats any plaque buildup in the heart and minimizes risks for heart disease.
3. Helps Promote Weight Loss
The high amount of fiber contained in the green leafy vegetable helps promote healthy digestion and aids in weight loss. Lettuce is also very filling, which eliminates any hunger pangs in the middle of the night.
4. Low Calorie Content
One cup of chopped Iceberg 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.
5. Fights Insomnia
A crisp bowl of Iceberg lettuce can help you fall asleep much easier at night. Lettuce contains Niacin, which is involved in serotonin synthesis. Pleasant dreams!
6. Great Source of Protein
Romaine lettuce is 20 percent protein, ideal for repairing damaged muscle tissues and preventing inflammation. You can increase protein intake by eating Romaine lettuce with beans, meats and assorted dairy products.
7. Low Glycemic Index
The GI Index is a measurement carried out on carbohydrate filled foods and their impact on blood sugar levels. Foods that are low on the glycemic index, significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Lettuce contains a GI level lower than 15.
8. It's Delicious
The crisp and juicy taste of lettuce makes a refreshing snack during hot summer days or when you're feeling a bit dehydrated. Lettuce can enhance the flavor of any ordinary turkey, chicken or tuna sandwich. Simply put, lettuce tastes delicious.
9. Rich in Omega 3
Romaine lettuce has a phenomenal 1:2 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which helps treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's and asthma. The omega-3 fatty acids also prevent blood clotting and promote a healthy heart.
10. Alkaline-Forming
The Alkaline minerals contained in lettuce help flush out harmful toxins from your body, sharpen your memory, cleanse your pores and give you a quick boost of energy when you're feeling a bit drowsy.