Lettuce: benefits and properties

There is no doubt that it is season to enjoy wonderful refreshing and light salads, which can in fact become a deliciously nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Among the most useful ingredients that commonly tend to be included are the cucumbers, that can not be missing in a good and exquisite salad, and neither lettuce.

Not in vain, we could say that almost as a rule the lettuce It has become a food that is part of our diet, being precisely one of the classic products of many salads.

Depending on our organism, very important are the different benefits and properties of lettuces, since -as we will see below- they possess a series of fundamental virtues for the correct functioning of our body.

What are lettuces?

The lettuce they are green leafy vegetables that stand out precisely because they are one of the most popular and consumed every day around the world. They are part of a wide variety of recipes, although the most common is to use them for the preparation of wonderful salads, but we can also prepare a delicious lettuce juice, refreshing and light.

The lettuce It is characterized by being a plant with a short stem and bright green leaves that are very characteristic.

They are known scientifically with the name ofLactuva sativa, and consist of an annual herbaceous plant that usually reaches approximately 25 centimeters. They are native to the Middle East, although nowadays they are grown in greenhouses practically all year round.

There are different types and varieties of lettuce, although lettuces of Chinese origin differ fundamentally in that they have a much more robust texture, hence the most common is that they are consumed after having cooked them before.

Varieties of lettuce

Although there is a wide variety of lettuce, the most common and popular are the following:

  • Romaine lettuce:It has a long bud and lanceolate leaves, less thick and very crispy. In Spain they are known by the name ofmule ears.
  • French Lettuce:They have fine leaves with a rather buttery texture and a round bud. Its flavor is more intense but it stands out for being extremely delicate. They are also known by the name ofBoston.
  • Beluga lettuce:It is one of the most popular. It has tight buds and practically no flavor. Its texture is crunchy but it is easy to cut, hence it is commonly used in the preparation of recipes.
  • Batavia lettuce:It has curly leaves and the bud is rather loose. On the other hand, it is quite similar to the French variety, having a rather buttery texture.

Benefits of lettuce

High nutritional value

Among other aspects, we can indicate that it is rich in fiber, lactucine, pectin and beta-carotene; vitamins such as B1, B2 and B3, A, E and C; as well as minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium.

For everything indicated up to this point, its high iron content helps fight anemia, fatigue and fatigue.

Useful in case of flu and colds

It is ideal as Home remedy for flu and for colds, since it strengthens the respiratory tract. In these cases, a good salad whose main ingredient is lettuce can help, and much.

Soothing and tranquilizing qualities

It has a calming effect on strokes, muscle aches and sprains, and also has soothing and reassuring effects, helping to control insomnia problems, soothe nerves and relieve palpitations.

In fact, thanks to their analgesic qualities helps in a very positive way when it comes to relieving nervous tension, pain, regulates the heart palpitations and is especially useful in helping us to better sleep.

What better than enjoying a delicious salad with lettuce at night, before going to bed? It will undoubtedly help us to go to bed lighter, and it will also help us sleep better.

Ideal against high cholesterol

Help against high cholesterol, being an important source of antioxidants, which means that in addition to delaying cellular aging activates circulation preventing the onset of arteriosclerosis. In fact, did you know that the lettuces are useful to activate the circulation of the blood?.

That is why they are especially useful when it comes to regulate high cholesterol levels, and therefore prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Digestive properties

The lettuce also has digestive properties, fighting problems of flatulence. In addition, it stands out for being a tremendously light food, especially rich in water and very low in fat and calories.

Help eliminate toxins

The lettuces also stand out for being a food with diuretic qualities; that is, they help activate the natural diuresis of our organism. In this way, thanks to its high water content (which is linked to its low sodium content), It helps eliminate toxins and the purification of other unnecessary substances.

Therefore, since it stimulates diuresis, it is ideal in cases of fluid retention.

Nutritional information for lettuce

100 grams of lettuce provide:

    
Calories10 kcalVitamin B9215 mcg
Carbohydrates2.3 gVitamin C8 mg
Proteins1.2 gMatch23 mg
Fat0.2 gSodium5 mg
Water95.5 gSelenium0.2 mcg
Vitamin A970 IUCalcium32 mg
Vitamin B10.06 mgPotassium257 mg
Vitamin B20.06 mgMagnesium13 mg
Vitamin B30.3 mgIron1 mg
This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesFoods

The lettuce health benefits properties (March 2024)