Benefits of Lactuca

1. 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 belo .....

Description

2. 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. .....

Iceberg or crisphead

3. 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! .....

Romaine lettuce

4. 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. .....

Looseleaf

5. 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 .....

Butterhead

6. 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 damag .....

Helps Weight Loss

7. Lettuce contains fiber and cellulose. Besides filling you up, fiber improves your digestion. Improving your digestion may not .....

Heart Healthy

8. Lettuces vitamin C and betacarotene work together to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. .....

Omega3 Fatty acids

9. Romaine lettuce has a two to one ratio of omega3 to omega6. .....

Complete Protein

10. 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 b .....

Helps with Insomnia

11. The white fluid that you see when you break or cut lettuce leaves is called lactucarium. This has relaxing and sleep inducing properties similar to opium but without the strong side effects. .....

Lettuce is Alkaline Forming

12. The minerals in lettuce help remove toxins and keep your acid/alkaline balance in order. Once you are balanced on this level there are a host of benefits including greater energy, clearer thinking, deep restful sleep, and youthful skin. To browse more benefits check out .....

Low Glycemic Index

13. Lettuce has an average glycemic index of 15, but because it has so few calories, its glycemic load is considered zero. Foods with low glycemic indexes are great for anyone watching their blood sugars for medical reasons, or for weight management. .....

Whole Life Food

14. Lettuce is almost always eaten raw, providing us with many micronutrients not found in cooked or processed food. .....

Lettuce Tastes Great

15. Even though lettuce is very low in calories, many varieties still have a sweet taste. To maximize benefits from your food you should really WANT to eat it with your whole body .....

Revitalizes Skin

16. Lettuce is a rich source of vitamin A with six leaves providing more than 100% of your DV (daily value) of vitamin A. Vitamin A increases the cell turnover, thus revitalizing your skin. Each variety of lettuce features a unique keeping quality; hence, different methods should be applied while its storing. Romaine and loose leaflettuces should be washed, and any excess water removed before storing inside the refrigerator. On the othe rhand, Butter .....

Supplies Nutrition

17. It also contains potassium which gives a rich supply of nutrients and oxygen by improving circulation, thus resulting in a healthy and glowing skin. Pesticides are commonly used in lettuce crops. The most common pesticides found in the leaves are organphosphorous, Permethrin, etc. Wash them thoroughly in cold water before consumption. However, the organic forms are believed to be free from these toxins and safe for consumption. .....

Protects Skin

18. The combination of vitamin E and vitamin C in this vegetable helps in .....

Removes Toxins

19. Consumption of lettuce stimulates appetite and removes toxins from the body. Furthermore, it can also cure deficiency of hemoglobin and mineral salts resulting in clear and radiant skin. 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 significan .....

Fights Various Skin Problems

20. The compresses of this vegetable is effective against several skin problems. Boil two salads of the lettuce leaf in 1 litre of water for about 20 minutes. The resulting liquid can be used as a compress on the face and other body parts. This compress can help in curing acne and psoriasis by cleaning the skin. To be effective, compresses should be at room temperature and kept for 10 minutes. .....

Toning

21. 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 in .....

Aids Better Sleep

22. 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 1 .....

Provides Vital Microminerals

23. 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. .....

Provides Nutrition

24. 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. .....

Proteins

25. 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 cul .....

Less sugar

26. 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. .....

Iron

27. 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. .....

Vitamin K

28. 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. .....

Vitamin C benefits

29. 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 .....

Insomnia

30. 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. .....

Alkaline formation and detoxification

31. The minerals found in lettuce help in alkaline formation which is accompanied by the removal of toxins from the body. Researchers are uncovering other important contributions folic acid has to offer to your wellbeing, like its role in the prevention of heart disease and inflammation. Most salad greens are also notable sources of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. .....

Selection

32. Proper selection plays a vital role in ensuring that you are buying fresh vegetables. As far as lettuce is concerned, always prefer whole heads of lettuce over loose lettuce leaves as they are fresher and more nutritious. Also ensure that the leaves are crisp, tender and brightly colored. Lettuce can be best enjoyed if it is fresh and crisp. Dark green veggies are great sources of vitamin C, folate, betacarotene, iron, calcium, iron and dietary f .....

Storage

33. .....

Tips for Usage

34. The dark, richly colored varieties of lettuce such as dark green, red or purple ones are the richest in nutritional value indicated by the presence of vitamin A and other antioxidants such as carotenoids and lutein, which is why it is considered as one of the worlds most popular vegetables. .....

Eating

35. Lettuce is mostly eaten raw so before serving remove any brown, slimy, wilted or decayed leaves. The leaves should be washed thoroughly and dried to remove any dirt or insects. Lettuce is most commonly used in salads by regular lettuce eaters. Given below are certain tips for preparing lettuce before serving it in the form of salad. .....

Cooking

36. Apart from being eaten in salads, lettuce can also be cooked and made in dishes that can serve as a delightful treat. Being crisp, mild, soft and buttery lettuce can suit all tastes and form part of many dishes, making them more interesting. .....

Very low calorie

37. Lettuce has very low calorie content and is composed primarily of water, about 9095%. It does also contain fiber, minerals .....

Antianemic

38. .....

Antioxidant

39. Lettuce is rich in antioxidants, especially betacarotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. These substances help cleanse the body from toxins, prevent the damage caused by freeradicals, prevent premature aging and lower the risk of chronic diseases and cancer. .....

Bone health

40. There is evidence that lettuce has a protective effect on bone health, due to its high content in vitamin K which is required for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a bone protein which helps strengthen bone tissue. This bone protective action is particularly effective in preventing osteoporosisrelated fractures in postmenopausal women and older adults. Lettuce is a good source of calcium and phosphorous, as well, which play a key role in bone structu .....

Constipation

41. Thanks to its high fiber content, lettuce and its juice can help stimulate the function and motility of the intestinal tract, relieve constipation and cleanse the colon. Just as vitamin A helps to accomplish other things in the body, so too does it help to prevent cancer. Fruits and vegetables which house large amounts of vitamin A are well known for their ability to retard the growth of certain cancers, as well as to lower the risk of lung and o .....

Cough

42. Lettuce juice contains anticough agents, which can help relieve irritable cough, as well as the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. One of the carotenoids which is found in leafy lettuce, carotene, is absorbed in a selective way by the macular lutea. It is thought to achieve some level of light filtration or protection which as of yet is not pinpointed. What is known is that people who eat a diet rich in those fruits and vegetables can have much f .....

Hydration

43. Lettuce juice is an excellent source of hydration at the cellular level. They are refreshing, thirstquenching and help rehydrates our cells and releasing toxins and harmful fats from our congested cells. In addition to all of these benefits which can be taken from green leaf lettuce, it also helps your body to get enough fiber, protection from colon problems and keeping you regular. This means youll have fewer digestive problems. Lettuce is heart .....

Purifying

44. The purifying effect of lettuce is the result of the combined actions of antioxidants (which help neutralize harmful substances accumulate in the body), potassium (which promotes diuresis, thereby helping eliminate toxins from the body) and fiber (which helps cleanse the colon). .....

Sedation

45. Lettuce latex has been used for centuries by physicians as a substitute for opium, due to its natural sedative and painkilling properties. Today its medicinal use is limited to treat sleep disorders, nervous excitability, anxiety and restlessness, especially in children and elderly persons. Drink a glass of lettuce and .....

Sexual health

46. This is still a subject of debate. It is known that the opiumlike substances found in lettuce latex can be used to cool sexual appetite. However, some researches have observed that lettuce milk also contains prosexual substances, that can help fight impotence when taken in large doses. Whether this is true or not, one thing is sure: drinking a lettuce juice cant do much harm in this sense! .....

Consumption Tips

47. Lettuce can be used raw or cooked .....

Caution

48. Lettuce is a very safe vegetable and has no adverse reaction reported so far. There is only one condition in which large quantities of lettuce are contraindicated: For patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists (such as warfarin). The high amount of vitamin K, may interfere with the therapy, possibly leading to blood clots formation (thrombosis) and related complications. So be aware if youre on such medication. .....

Lettuce contain moisture

49. Lettuce .....

AntiInflammatory Properties

50. Lettuce possesses antiinflammatory properties that help in controlling inflammation. In experimental models,lettuce .....

Protects Neuronal Cells

51. Neurons are brain cells that form physical connections to make up memory. The death of neurons in particular connections or circuits can result in the loss of memory. In some extreme cases, significant neuronal death can result in the onset of diseases like Alzheimers. The extracts from lettuce showed considerable control of neuron cell death due to its role in glucose/serum deprivation (GSD). The research has also mentioned that lettuce has the .....

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

52. .....

Use for healthy cell

53. Studies .....

Antimicrobial Properties

54. The latex of .....

Controls Anxiety

55. The neurological properties of lettuce have long been suggested and exploited during ancient times and the Middle Ages in medical treaties such as the Unani system. Detailed research in recent times has led to the conclusion that lettuce possesses .....

AntiCancer Properties

56. Lettuce leaf extracts can control certain type of cancer. .....

Vegetable Salad

57. Cut your tomato, cucumber, radish, carrots, red pepper, yellow pepper, and lettuce leaves. Add the cut vegetables to a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, a dash of olive oil, and lime juice. Lettuce is good for your blood due to all of the many B vitamins that it contains, including thiamin, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), riboflavins. .....

Corn Lettuce Salad

58. .....

Protect immune system

59. Food allergies are the abnormal response of the immune system to certain types of food that the body recognizes as harmful. In most cases, the reasons for food allergies are unknown. Food allergies that result in anaphylaxis are the worst kind and according to the .....