Lettuce is the second most popular vegetable sold in supermarkets, topped only by potatoes. There is not question of the health benefits of leafy greens and here some other facts you may not have known about them.
October 9, 2015
Lettuce is the second most popular vegetable sold in supermarkets, topped only by potatoes. There is not question of the health benefits of leafy greens and here some other facts you may not have known about them.
Some lettuces and greens contain lots of beta carotene, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron and potassium, but the amounts vary considerably. Generally, deeply-coloured leaves have more beta carotene and vitamin C than paler varieties. Deeply coloured lettuces and greens are also high in bioflavonoids. These are plant pigments known to work with vitamin C and help prevent cell damage.
Salads are low in calories yet filling, since they are high in fibre. Stay away from the creamy, calorie-rich dressing though. Use low-fat alternatives like herb vinegar mixed with olive oil; a sprinkling of herbs and lemon juice; or low-fat yogurt combined with garlic, chopped parsley and lemon juice. Greens can be mixed with raw fruits or vegetables, cold pasta or chunks of chicken or tuna to make a low-calorie, nutritious main dish. Raw spinach is often used as a salad green, although cooking makes some of its nutrients a bit easier to absorb.
There are dozens of different varieties of lettuce; here are some of the most common.
There are two mains reasons for lettuce's popularity: health-conscious people are consuming more fruits and vegetables; and lettuce and greens are now available year-round, thanks to modern refrigeration and food transportation. So get out and enjoy those greens, it'll do your body good.
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