10 things you did not know about lettuce

• April 26, 2024

Lettuce is a vegetable, vegetable, with a mild flavor that contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and B vitamins, so the properties of lettuce make it easier multiple biological processes in the body contributing to good health.

In addition to providing very few calories for its high water content, its low amount of carbohydrates and even less protein and fat, make it one of the most consumed food in the world. Among the properties of lettuce include:

1. The outermost leaves of the lettuce concentrate most of the vitamins and minerals.

2. Consumption of lettuce can contribute, according to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Australia , to stimulate the production of immune cells, called innate lymphoid cells, which help control food allergies, inflammatory diseases, prevent obesity , and even the development of intestinal cancer.

3. Its content in folates intervenes in the production of red and white blood cells, in the synthesis of genetic material and the formation of antibodies of the immune system.

4. Because of its richness in fiber, it produces a great sensation of satiety after having eaten it, as well as a mild laxative effect. This makes it a very indicated food as a starter or garnish in weight control diets, according to the Kellogg's Institute of Nutrition and Health .

5. Most of the fiber of lettuce is cellulose. To digest it better to chew and salivate well, otherwise, instead of promoting intestinal transit, could cause constipation .

6. Its content in fiber and antioxidants, once in the body, helps control cholesterol and blood glucose levels, according to a study by the Harvard University .

7. Due to its high contribution of water, potassium and low sodium content, it favors the elimination of excess fluid from the body. This effect is beneficial in case of hyperuricemia and gout, kidney stones and in case of hypertension, fluid retention and oliguria.

8. According to a study of the University of California at San Diego , the lettuce also has anesthetic, sedative and somniferous properties, due to the presence of substances found in the latex of the wild lettuce, which allows reducing the insomnia and improve the quality of dream .

9. Calcium present in lettuce is not assimilated only when compared with dairy products or other good sources of this mineral, according to research in the journal American Journal of Clinical Nutrition .

10. The potassium present in lettuce is a mineral necessary for the transmission and generation of nerve impulses and for normal muscle activity, in addition to helping to balance water inside and outside the cell, reveals a study published in the International Journal of General Medicine .

Video Medicine: 10 Shocking Things Found In Your Favourite Foods! (April 2024).