benefits of lactuca

Benefits of Lactuca

1. Lactuca
Lactuca sativa is a small size annual plant that flourishes well under sandy, humus soil. There are about six varieties of cultivars exist based upon their head formation and leaf structure. Leaf varieties with more bitter taste are rather rich in nutrients as well as antioxidants. Its leaves exude milk like fluid (sap) when cut, and hence their name derived from Latin, lactuca for milk. Botanically this marvelous, nutrition rich leafy green belongs to the daisy family of Asteraceae. Scientific name: Lactuca sativa.
2. Description
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is known since time immemorial for its refreshing, purifying and sedative properties. It derives its name from the milky juice (latex) leaking out from the stems after they are cut. lettuce is one of the most common leaf vegetables and a basic ingredient of many salads. It is characterized by large, tender leaves, usually light green in color, but sometimes red or purple depending on the variety.
3. Iceberg or crisphead
Greener leaves on the outside and whiter on the inside. This type is most popular for its crisp texture, juicy and mild taste. A good source of choline. Crispy, green/crimsonred colored lettuce is one of the incredible leafy vegetables packed with essential nutrients that benefit health. Indeed, it is among the most soughtafter greens, be it in your crunchy, green salads or healthy sandwiches!
4. Romaine lettuce
Has deep green and long leaves. It has a crisp texture and a deeper taste than the other varieties. A good source of vitamins A, C, B1 and B2, and folate. Lettuce leaves are one of the very low calorie greenvegetables. 100 g fresh greens provide just 15 calories. Nonetheless, they are the store house of many phytonutrients that have health promoting and disease prevention properties.
5. Looseleaf
As the name implies, this variety has loose leaves that are broad and curly. It has a delicate taste and slightly crispy texture. Vitamins in lettuce are plentiful. Its fresh leaves are an excellent source of several Vitamin A and beta carotenes. Just 100 g of fresh, rawlettuce provides 247% of daily vitamin A, and 4443
6. Butterhead
This type of lettuce has large leaves that are arranged loosely and are easily separated from its stem. It has a softer texture with a sweet flavor compared to its other cousins. It is a rich source of vitamin K. Vitamin K has a potential role in the bone metabolism where it thought to increase bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity inside the bone cells. It also has established role in Alzheimers disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
7. Helps Weight Loss
Lettuce contains fiber and cellulose. Besides filling you up, fiber improves your digestion. Improving your digestion may not
8. Heart Healthy
Lettuces vitamin C and betacarotene work together to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol.
9. Omega3 Fatty acids
Romaine lettuce has a two to one ratio of omega3 to omega6.
10. Complete Protein
Romaine lettuces calories are 20 percent protein. Like all whole foods, much of this protein is complete, but the amount can be increased by combining with balancing proteins. It also contains good amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are very essential for body metabolism. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is essential for red blood cell formation.