Crunchy, filling, and oh-so-nutritious, this leafy green vegetable has all the right ingredients to elevate it to the level of a healthy treat. Often referred to as an excellent weight loss food, the humble lettuce has a bevy of wonderful benefits that will make you want to consume it regularly without fail. There are many different variants of lettuce, with the most popular one being ice-berg lettuce. It is regularly used in salads. Romaine lettuce, which features a dark, rich green color, has the highest proportion of nutrients out of all members of the lettuce family. So if you can get your hands on romaine lettuce, you will be able to amplify your nutritional intake in the same serving size. This does not mean that other variants should be left out; lettuce, in all its forms, is an exceptional health food.
Let’s find out how you can benefit from including lettuce in your diet:
1. Rev Up the Weight Loss
Why is lettuce considered to be such a great weight loss food? Simply because it has an incredible low calorie count! According to nutritional experts, one cup of shredded lettuce only contains up to 12 calories. So if your personal goals include shedding a few extra pounds or maintaining your weight, be sure to stock up on lettuce the next time you go grocery shopping.
2. Get Your Dose of Fiber
Dietary fiber is essential for the smooth functioning of several routine bodily processes, one of the most prominent being digestive functioning. Dietary fiber acts as the bulk that moves food compounds along the digestive tract with ease. It also ensures that infections and ailments such as diarrhea and constipation are prevented. Fiber has another great benefit: it provides a feeling of being full. This ensures that overeating is minimized. This is exactly why lettuce is considered to be one of the best diet foods: it not only has minimal calories, but also prevents excessive eating by creating feelings of satiation after consumption.
Medical experts also recommend fiber-rich foods for enhanced heart health. Cholesterol can act as a potent hurdle to the heart’s regular functions. Fiber has the ability to break down bad cholesterol compounds, and in this way, keeps cholesterol levels in check.
3. Sleep Better With Lettuce
Instead of turning to over-the-counter sleep-inducers, why not try a natural remedy instead? According to research, lettuce contains a useful compound that relaxes the mind and body and creates a subtle effect of drowsiness. This compound is called lactucarium. To try out the full effects of this compound, have a few lettuce leaves or prepare some lettuce juice. The best part about trying out a natural remedy is that there are no side-effects, so don’t hesitate to give it a shot.
4. Balance Your Body’s Acidity Levels
Acidity can be quite unpleasant to deal with. In fact, when the body’s natural balance between acidity and alkalinity is disrupted it causes many health effects which lead to discomfort and possible pain. Lettuce contains essential minerals to remove toxicity and keep the level of acidity within the body’s natural limits. This facilitates better health, improved sleep, healthier skin, and higher levels of energy.
Lettuce: For A Healthier You
Lettuce is traditionally used in salads, but you can add it as a sideline to your main courses or add generous portions to sandwiches and burgers for an extra crunch and added nutrition. The texture and flavor makes this vegetable a versatile addition to many recipes, so don’t hesitate to be creative in the kitchen. As always, leave a comment below if you have any questions, insights or feedback for Team HTV. Take care and make your health your number one priority.
