Corn Salad (Corn Salad)

Corn salad is a small oval dark green leaves, gathered in a bunch, which have a slight taste of nuts and a faint spicy aroma. In cooking they are used raw or dried. She belongs to the Valerian family.

This green salad is a favorite among Europeans. It can reach a height of 20-30 centimeters. It originates from the Mediterranean and can be enjoyed in autumn and winter. Corn salad has many names: lamb lettuce, machete salad, nut salad, doucette, field salad and others.

There are two main types of corn salad: small seed and large seed, which is paler in color. These two species are divided into many more varieties: Gala, Jade, Verte de Cambrai and others.

Corn lettuce spread throughout Europe during the Renaissance, around the 16th century. However, the Egyptians knew about the plant since ancient times.

Nutritional composition of corn salad

The composition of the leaves includes vitamins A, B9, E, B3, ascorbic acid, as well as minerals such as sodium and iron. The amounts of vitamin B9 are large, as 100 grams of the plant contains more than half of the required daily dose of the element for the body. Corn salad is rich in flavonoids, strengthening the walls of blood vessels.

Useful properties of corn salad

In ancient Rome, the plant was still defined as medicinal. It is said that its consumption helps to strengthen the nervous system, to normalize metabolism, to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood and to remove unnecessary cholesterol.

Due to its low caloric content, the salad helps with diabetes, obesity, is indispensable for those who want to have a slim figure, while allowing for a delicious and varied diet.

The leaves of the so-called lamb lettuce are characterized by tonic, wound healing and soothing effect. They are included in the diets of people suffering from chronic fatigue, apathy and early stages of depression. In addition, they have a diuretic effect, have a beneficial effect on kidney function, accelerate the process of cell regeneration, strengthen men's health. 

Corn salad relieves stress and helps maintain mood. Vitamin B9 acts on the nervous system, promoting good sleep. Lack of this vitamin can cause anemia, digestive disorders and mood swings.

Corn salad is a source of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties that slow down the premature aging of cells and make it harder for cancer to occur. In addition, it helps to strengthen the functions of the immune system, protecting the body from attacks.

Lamb lettuce also provides beta-carotene, another antioxidant that forms a compound of vitamin A. Beta-carotene protects the skin and eyes and protects the body from cardiovascular disease.

Corn salad delivers only 20 calories per 100 grams, which makes it a low-calorie and suitable product in diets for weight loss. It saturates quickly and does not contain cholesterol, and there are very few carbohydrates in it.

Vegetables are a rich source of fiber - 1.5 grams per 100 grams of product. Fiber facilitates digestion and is useful for regulating the passage through the intestines, acting as a laxative.

Chlorophyll is a pigment that gives corn salad a beautiful and rich green color. This pigment supplies oxygen to the body and has a detoxifying effect. It is also an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent cardiovascular disease, reduce bad cholesterol and prevent clots. It also prevents autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Lamb lettuce also supplies important nutrients to the body, such as iron, which helps carry oxygen through the bloodstream, calcium - important for the formation and growth of bones and teeth; potassium - helps regulate stress; sodium - a trace element that helps muscle contraction and ionic balance in the body.

Corn salad in cooking

Corn salad contains 93% water and is very refreshing. Gives a beautiful green note to dishes and can be used for decoration. For a more fragrant salad it can be combined with pecans, avocados or strawberries. Another option is to stew in a pan with butter.

Harm and contraindications for root salad

There are no known contraindications and side effects from the consumption of corn salad.