benefits of lactuca

Benefits of Lactuca

21. Toning
Compresses also help in toning your facial skin and can be used as masks, particularly for dry skin. It was in the period between the 16th and 18th centuries that different types of lettuce were developed due to the discovery that a particular subspecies could crosspollinate with other subspecies. During medieval times in Europe, lettuce was considered to possess medicinal qualities, which were mentioned in several medieval texts. One can find instances of the plant being prescribed as a medicine for several diseases in the Unani medicine system as well. It was prescribed for bilius eructation, disturbed blood pressure, loss of appetite, insomnia, as a tonic for the intestines and digestive system, and as a method to stop sexual urges.
22. Aids Better Sleep
The infusion made from lettuce salad has anti spastic effect and acts as a diuretic and sedative. Drinking this infusion induces a good night sleep yielding the resultant benefits to the skin. The dried latex of lettuce was prescribed for inducing sleep, and was used as nasal drops, a sedative, an antispasmodic, and anodyne. During the medieval times and into the beginning of modern times, lettuce spread from Europe to North America. During the 19th century, it spread to other parts of the world as well, particularly to Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. Today, lettuce can be found in almost all parts of the world, from the Americas all the way to Siberia.
23. Provides Vital Microminerals
It contains 8% silicon, 9% phosphorus and an ample supply of sulphur. These three minerals are vital for maintenance of skin, hair and nails. The most difficult part about storing lettuce is maintenance of moisture level. Too much moisture suffocates the lettuce leaves due to condensation, causing the lettuce to spoil faster. More moisture also results in more production of ethylene gas which speeds up decay and spoilage.
24. Provides Nutrition
The primary cause of hair loss is consumption of food in inorganic form such as cereals and devitalized food as the hair does not receive proper nourishment. Consumption of lettuce combats this problem as it provides proper nourishment in the form of essential vitamins and nutrients.
25. Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of a developing body. They are needed for muscle development and many important metabolic reactions in the body. Lettuce contains a good 20 per cent of proteins in its total quantity. Lettuce, scientifically known as Lactuca sativa, was first cultivated by the Egyptians thousands of years ago. The Egyptians used the seeds to produce oil and also utilized the leaves of this useful vegetable. The plant also had cultural and religious significance in ancient Egypt, as it was considered to be sacred. Later, the Greeks and Romans also cultivated this crop.
26. Less sugar
Not only artificial flavors but also artificial sugars harm the body, if eaten in excess. People who wish to consume lettuce in good amounts need not bother about this as it has less sugar content. Some of the health benefits of lettuce include lowering cholesterol levels, cancer control, protection of neurons, sleep induction, anxiety control, lowering inflammation, and providing a supply of antioxidants.
27. Iron
Iron is important for the blood hemoglobin amount and also for many other heartrelated benefits. Iron content can be very wellbalanced with lettuce leaves as they provide almost four times the iron in the romaine variety than in the iceberg one.
28. Vitamin K
Vitamin K content that is present in almost three times the amount than that in the normal iceberg lettuce is necessary for the body, especially for women in the preconception and pregnancy periods. This vitamin prevents neural defects during pregnancy.
29. Vitamin C benefits
Vitamin C in lettuce is a rich source of antioxidants that prevent free radical formation and curb unwanted reactions that cause diseases and even cancers. The dried latex of lettuce was prescribed for inducing sleep, and was used as nasal drops, a sedative, an antispasmodic, and anodyne. During the medieval times and into the beginning of modern times, lettuce spread from Europe to North America. During the 19th century, it spread to other parts of the world as well, particularly to Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. Today, lettuce can be found in almost all parts of the world, from the Americas all the way to Siberia.
30. Insomnia
Insomnia is often found to be cured by eating lettuce with its lactucarium content that you see when the leaves are broken or cut. It helps induce relaxation and sleep. It has been found to have properties similar to opium other than its toxic side effects.