Eight Reasons why Lettuce is a Superfood
Lettuce are among the most popular greens out there. And even non-vegetable lovers would eat it because of its very mild and subtle taste and crispy texture, making it a great addition to meaty food like burgers, wraps and sandwiches. Lettuce comes in a wide range of varieties. And all of them are rich in nutrients as well as antioxidants that are important for your health.
Check out the following amazing health benefits of lettuce:
Lowers cholesterol
Eating more greens like lettuce can greatly help you manage your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels (particularly LDL levels), put you at risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. In studies, it was found that lettuce consumption induces lipid peroxidation – a process which is most responsible for controlling bad cholesterol levels in the body.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants act as barriers to free radicals – those toxic compounds that cause cellular damage and make us vulnerable to varying diseases. These free radicals attack healthy tissues, cells and the DNA inside them. In a 2004 study by JSF School of Pharmacy, researchers found that lettuce is a rich source of carotene and vitamin C.
Anti-inflammatory
Like most vegetables, lettuce also possess great anti-inflammatory properties. In experimental studies, lettuce was shown to have significant controlling power over inflammation catalysts like lipoxygenase and carrageenan – chemicals widely used in food processing.
Better Sleep
Yes, you read that right. Not only does eating lettuce strengthen your immunity to diseases, it can also help you sleep better. In one study, a chemical extracted from lettuce lead to sedative effect. It also resulted in decreased heart rate and ventricular contractions.
Better Mental Health
The neurological properties of lettuce have long been a subject of scientific scrutiny even before the ancient times and the Middle Ages in medical treaties such as the Unani system. Recent studies suggest that lettuce possess anxiolytic properties which basically helps lower anxiety levels. Lettuce consumption may also provide neuronal protection. Research also suggests that lettuce has the potential to be used in neuro-protection as a common remedy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Anti-cancer
Research found that lettuce extract may help in controlling growth of certain cancer cells, particularly leukaemia cells and breast cancer cells.
Low-Calorie
Lettuce is a great, filling addition to your diet if you are looking to shed weight. A hundred gram of the fresh greens provide just 15 calories while giving your body a host of essential nutrients and phytochemicals. Apart from vitamin C and carotene, a serving of lettuce has 247% of your daily vitamin A requirement. It is also a rich source of vitamin K which has a potential role in the bone metabolism.
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