Lettuce is a leafy vegetable, famous for giving salads their base. There are multiple types of lettuce, and they all share the scientific name Lactuca sativa.
The health benefits of lettuce come primarily from its vitamin content. Health benefits vary depending on the type of lettuce a person eats
Promotes metabolism
Metabolism is the reaction which converts the food we have consumed into energy that provides power to the body for doing something. Food nutrients have supportive role as well as control the chemical reaction of metabolism system. Lettuce has vital role in improvement of body metabolism. It possesses magnesium, iron and potassium which promotes metabolism of the body. Moreover, it is a great source of B-complex that enhances metabolism system.
Lower heart problems
One must be aware and watch level of bad cholesterol in the body. The high presence of bad cholesterol results in cardiovascular diseases and other harmful diseases. Bad cholesterol causes strokes and heart attacks. Studies results the beta carotene and Vitamin C found in lettuce prevents the chances of cholesterol oxidation by preventing formation of plaques in artery walls that could block off and break the flow of blood. Potassium and fiber also assist in lowering level of cholesterol. Lettuce has fiber, potassium, beta-carotene and vitamin C which assist the heart condition.
Lowers diabetes
Lettuce is helpful to lower the chances of diabetes. Lettuce contains few calories which makes glycemic index considered as zero. Low glycemic index is great for people who watch the level of blood sugar. The low content of blood sugar lowers the chances of diabetes. Consumption of lettuce regularly prevents the chances of suffering from diabetes.
Lower inflammation
Inflammation affects dental issues, migraines and pain on pack which could be avoided with the consumption of lettuce. The extracts of lettuce acts as anti-inflammatory activity promoted by biocatalysts such as carrageenan and lipoxygenase. It is proved that lettuce has vital role to control inflammation.
Prevent growth of cancer
Lettuce leaf possesses various nutrients which help to control various types of cancer. Moreover, research shows that it controls cells of leukemia and breast cancer. Similarly, the consumption of lettuce is essential to eliminate 50% of leukemia cells. Lettuce contains Vitamin A which helps to prevent cancer that assist in dealing chances of mouth cancer and lung cancer.
Prevent microbes
Lettuce also possesses antimicrobial properties which is due to latex that deform upon yeasts. Biochemicals also assist body for acting as antimicrobial. This function is due to cardenolides and terpenes which defense the body from bad microbes. Addition of lettuce to the salad makes the healthier option for the body. Latex possesses antimicrobial activity.
Promotes sleep
The condition of insomnia and sleep problem has become common nowadays. The consumption of lettuce regularly helps to deal with this problem. It is due to lactuacarium which is a white fluid which comes out when the lettuce leaves are cut. It assists relaxation and promotes quality of sleep. It is also found that lactuacarium provides similar properties to opium. One should not be worried as it does not provide any toxic side effects.
Treat Alzheimer’s disease
An extract of lettuce provides control on neuron cell death which is caused by glucose or serum deprivation that assists in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Neurons are vital parts of the body which has role in making memory. However lettuce acts as neuroprotector that could be an aid for neurodegenerative diseases. Lettuce is used as a food to counteract the chances of this disease.
