Benefits of Lettuce (Salad Patta) And Its Side Effects

Green leaf lettuce is considered as the most nutritious plant as it includes more protein, calcium and seven out of nine vitamins. The minerals found in them include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc along with vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B-6, C, A, E, and vitamin K. The leaves have amazing healing benefits. Iceberg lettuce is a good source of vitamin K which helps to preserve bone health.

Lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is also known as Phylloquinone. Vitamin K plays a vital role in bone and heart health. It helps skeletal health and assists the transport of calcium throughout our body and helps us to form strong bone health. Deficiency of vitamin K can lead to heart disease, weakened bones, tooth decay and even cancer.

Fresh lettuce leaves are excellent source of several vitamin A and carotenes. Vitamin A is also known as Retinal. It is essential for eye health, boosts immunity and fosters cell growth. The vitamin A also enables us healthy formation of our skin, teeth, bones and muscles and supports the functions of our heart, lungs and kidneys. Deficiency of vitamin A can lead to severe visual impairment and blindness.

Lettuce contains good amount of vitamin C also known as Ascorbic acid. Vitamin-C helps our body to develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory molecules. Lettuce’svitaminC and beta-carotene work together and prevent the oxidation of our cholesterol. It prevents the buildup of plaque. Lack ofvitaminC can lead to a condition called Scurvy. The symptoms include nosebleeds and problems against fighting infections.

Lettuce contains healthy amount of iron. Iron is essential to produce red blood cells. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to every cell of the body. Iron is necessary for proper muscle and organ function, and it fills our bodies with energy. If the body lacks the iron content, it cannot produce healthy red blood cells and results in low hemoglobin. Deficiency of Iron causes anemia. Insufficient iron levels lead to tiredness and lack of energy. The deficiency of iron leads to headache, extreme fatigue and pale skin.

Lettuce contains high amounts of folate which are known as folic acid and vitamin B9. It provides an immediate boost of folates when included in the diet. Vitamin B9 (folate) is required for numerous body functions including DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and cell growth. The deficiency of folates leads to anemia in adults and slow development in children. Pregnant women require folate for proper fetal development. Deficiency of folic acid in pregnant woman causes defect in the development of the fetus’ neural system.

Magnesium plays a vital role in our body as it supports healthy circulation and blood flow. Magnesium is important for energy production, breastfeeding and sound sleep. The large intake of magnesium lowers the risk of diabetes. Deficiency of magnesium leads to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. The inadequate intake of magnesium leads to nausea, vomiting, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Lettuce traditionally was used as sleep inducer. Research from the Texas A&M University has suggested that lettuce has an isolation of depressant chemical. This chemical has sedative effects which also decreases heart rate and ventricular contractions. Lettuce acts as mild sedative helping you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. It also reduces anxiety and calming the body before sleep. Lettuce is a good source of carbohydrates which raises blood sugar which produces insulin and insulin produced in the body helps to promote sleep.

Lettuce is rich in nutrients and fiber that helps in maintaining skin health. Lettuce helps in curing acne and keeps away from skin problems. As it is rich in vitamins, lettuce helps in revitalizing the skin by increasing the cell power. Lettuce acts as an anti-aging product. Consuming lettuce regularly, helps to remove the toxins from the body and cures deficiency of minerals and thus makes the skin clear and radiant.

Lettuce is a collective source of many minerals. It contains silicon, phosphorus and sulphur which are essential for our body. These minerals plays vital role in the growth of hair. Lettuce provides adequate nourishment to the hair in the form of vitamins and essential nutrients. Devouring its juice regularly stimulates hair growth and prevents hair graying as it contains vitamin K and Potassium.

Lettuce contains high quantities of proteins which helps the energy production inside the body. Energy is very crucial for our daily activities. Lettuce provides essential nutrients which are required for body metabolism. Lettuce produces potassium which increases the blood flow to the brain. Lettuce also improves the concentration and sensory activities. Regular intake of this vegetable improves cognition development.

Lettuce is low in calories and contains fiber and cellulose. Fiber removes animus salt from the body. Lettuce contains water which keeps the body hydrated and eliminates the waste from the kidney and liver. It helps the body to burn carbohydrates and fats. Daily consumption of lettuce leaves contributes to weight loss in obese diabetic patients.