For many people, lettuce is not easy to eat but even causes discomfort because of its fishy smell. However, lettuce has been found by experts to have many health benefits such as: strengthening the immune system, treating acne, improving the functioning of the respiratory tract…. This article will provide more of this information.
What is Lettuce?
Lettuce, belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae is an annual plant that is generally cultivated as a leaf vegetable. Lettuce is not only an essential ingredient of salads, but it is also used in soups, sandwiches and other preparations.
Lettuce was originally consumed mostly in Europe and America but by the late 20th century, it had spread to other parts of the world as well. Lettuce is rich in nutrients and has been consumed for its dietary and medicinal benefits since a long time.
Health Benefits of Lettuce
Lettuce is a good source of vitamins K and A, antioxidants, and let’s check out how it helps treat various helath issues such as sleeplessness, digestion problems, and a healthy heart. Also, we discuss some side effects of Lettuce and history or origin of Lettuce.
Lettuce good for insomnia
Cutting or breaking lettuce leaves reveal a white liquid called lactucarium that helps to deal with insomnia. This liquid has the relaxing and sleep inducing properties of opium but does not possess its side effects. If you are having trouble sleeping, you could try to have a few leaves of lettuce.
Lettuce protects against diseases
Lettuce possesses antioxidants that act against the free radicals in our bodies which are formed due to cellular metabolism. These radicals tend to harm the healthy tissues and cells. They may even cause the development of cancer by mutating healthy cells into cancerous cells. Antioxidants work to protect us against this.
Lettuce good for cancer patients
Lettuce leaf extracts can prevent the spread of leukemia cells and breast cancer cells. Lettuce also contains flavonoids which help to protect the body from lung and oral cavity cancers. Thus incorporating lettuce in your diet can help to fight different types of cancer.
Lettuce helps in improving body metabolism
It is of vital importance that our body properly metabolizes the food that we intake. Otherwise, it will not be possible for us to get the required energy that is required to function properly. Due to the presence of iron, magnesium and potassium, lettuce intake helps to improve the metabolic processes in our body. Lettuce also contains Vitamin B-complex which aids our metabolism.
Lettuce good for heart patients
High levels of bad cholesterol in our body can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Lettuce contains Vitamin C and beta-carotene that work together to prevent the artery walls forming as plaques which can block off and break the blood flow. Thus lettuce prevents the oxidation of cholesterol and thus protects our heart against diseases.
Lettuce prevents harm to neuronal cells
Extracts from lettuce, due to its significant role in glucose or serum deprivation, help to prevent death of neuron cells. Neurons are brain cells that make physical connections and help to make memory. Lettuce thus helps to prevent onset of diseases like Parkinson’s which is caused due to the death of neuron cells.
Lettuce has antimicrobial properties
Lettuce has antimicrobial properties and helps to fight the harmful microbes that may cause various diseases. This is due to the presence of terpenes and cardenolides which work to defend our body against bad microbes.
Lettuce leaves for anxiety
Lettuce has anxiolytic properties that help to control anxiety. Lettuce has a role in neurological health process and so helps to deal with mental problems such as depression.
Lettuce helps to remove toxins
Minerals present in lettuce help to remove the toxins from our body. This helps to maintain the acid balance. Removing the toxins help us to remain healthy as only the beneficial substances are left behind.
Lettuce anti inflammatory properties
Lettuce extracts have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of biocatalysts like lipoxygenase and carrageenan. Thus various ailments resulting from inflammation can be avoided by including lettuce in your diet.
