Useful And Harmful Properties Of Lettuce

Lettuce belongs to the daisy family - Compositae. It is an annual plant that is usually cultivated as a leafy vegetable. Lettuce is not only the main ingredient in salads, but is also used in soups, sandwiches and other dishes. Initially consumed mainly in Europe and America, but by the end of the 20th century it spread to other parts of the world. Lettuce is rich in nutrients and is consumed for its nutritional and medicinal benefits.

Lettuce is a food for weight loss. Some of its health benefits are that it helps prevent cancer, protects neurons, relieves anxiety and stress, and helps you sleep better. It is a great source of antioxidants and helps suppress inflammation.

Nutritional composition of lettuce

Lettuce is a very low-calorie vegetable, an excellent source of vitamin A and beta carotene, which have antioxidant properties. It also contains good amounts of vitamin K, folate and vitamin C, which are important for the body. The minerals present in vegetables are calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. It also contains essential vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.

• 14 calories
• 28 milligrams of sodium
• 194 milligrams of potassium
• Vitamin A - 148% of the daily requirement (DP *)
• Vitamin C - 15% of DP *
• Vitamin B6 - 4% of DP *
• Iron - 4% of DP *
• Magnesium - 3% of DP *
• Calcium - 0.03% of DP *

Lettuce contains a large amount of protein, vitamins B, C, E, PP, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, sugars, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron.

Useful properties of lettuce

It is suitable for dietary nutrition in diabetes and obesity, helps to eliminate various harmful substances from the body. Its regular use improves the condition of diseases of the stomach and duodenum (ulcers, gastritis). It is useful for eliminating stomach pain and faster healing of ulcers. Has a positive effect on cough and bronchitis, in this case it is used in the form of a solution and serves for expectoration.

Fresh juice of lettuce leaves, in combination with carrot or beet juice, is an excellent, improving overall health. Helps cleanse the blood vessels, thus preventing the development of atherosclerosis, gives energy, the body is saturated with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Contains folic acid, which affects reproductive function in men and women.

When slicing or shredding lettuce, a white liquid called lactukarium is released, which helps fight insomnia. This liquid has relaxing and sleep-inducing properties of opium and has no side effects. People suffering from sleep problems can try to consume a few lettuce leaves before bed.

Lettuce has antioxidants that act against free radicals formed in the human body during cellular metabolism. These radicals tend to damage healthy cells and tissues and can even cause cancer by mutating healthy cells into cancerous ones. Antioxidants protect the body from this.

Lettuce leaf extracts can prevent the spread of leukemia and breast cancer cells. Lettuce also contains flavonoids that help protect the body from cancer of the lungs and oral cavity. Thus, the inclusion of lettuce in the diet can help fight various types of cancer.

High levels of bad cholesterol in the body can lead to cardiovascular disease. Lettuce contains vitamin C and beta carotene, which work together to prevent the formation of plaque in the walls of arteries, which can block and disrupt blood flow. In this way it prevents the oxidation of cholesterol and protects the heart from diseases.

It is vital that our body metabolizes the food it eats properly. Otherwise, it will not be possible to obtain the necessary energy for proper functioning. Due to the presence of iron, magnesium and potassium, lettuce intake helps to improve metabolic processes in the body. Lettuce also contains B-complex vitamins that support metabolism.

Lettuce has antimicrobial properties and helps fight harmful microbes that can cause various diseases. This is due to the presence of terpenes and cardenolidides, which protect the body from microbes.

The anxiolytic properties of lettuce help control anxiety. Vegetables play a role in the neurological health process and thus help to deal with mental problems such as depression.

The minerals in vegetables help remove toxins from the body, helping to maintain acid balance.

Lettuce has anti-inflammatory properties due to its biocatalysts such as lipoxygenase and carrageenan. Various diseases caused by inflammation can be avoided by including lettuce in the diet.

Use of lettuce in cooking

Vegetables can be consumed in many ways and are part of the cuisine of many crops. Raw and fresh is often added to burgers, salads or tacos. It can be combined with peas and green beans, as well as with seafood such as shrimp. Lettuce is a source of energy and helps keep the body well hydrated. It is also useful for skin and hair.

Harm and contraindications from the consumption of lettuce

Lettuce crops are sometimes sprayed with pesticides, so it is advisable to wash the vegetables very well before eating. Eating lettuce can cause allergic reactions in some people, so you should check if you are allergic to vegetables before including them in your diet.