Lettuce
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a vegetable with an inner core (or heart) and layers of leaves growing out. Depending on variety the leaves can vary in color from white, to green, to red or purple.
Health benefits of Lettuce
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Lettuce
Look for vibrant crisp leaves and avoid any lettuce that looks wilted, flimsy, and weak.
Climate and origin
Depending on variety lettuce can grow in almost any climate and at any time of year. It is not known where lettuce originated, but it was first cultivated by the ancient Egyptians.
Taste
Taste depends on variety, but in general, lettuce has a bitter and bland taste. Leaves towards the heart of the lettuce tend to be more tender than tougher outer leaves.
Miscellaneous information
Lettuce was viewed in Roman culture as a symbol of high morality and temperance, and was known for its medicinal properties. Lettuce was so important to the Romans that the emperor Augustus had a statue made in its honor.
Similar tasting produce
Spinach, Celtuce
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 15 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.15g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.02g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 28mg | 1% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 2.9g | 1% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 1.3g | 5% | ||
| Total Sugars 0.78g | 2% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1.4g | 3% | ||
| Vitamin C 9.2mg | 10% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.86mg | 5% | ||
| Calcium 36mg | 3% | ||
| Potassium 194mg | 4% | ||
| Phosphorus 29mg | 2% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||