Lactuca scariola

General information:

Lettuce is the most popular of all salad vegetables and is readily available all year round.
Due to the rich content of vitamins and minerals, lettuce has many a health benefits. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that low intake of vitamin K may increase the risk of hip fractures in women. The study found that Lettuce contains more than half the daily requirement of vitamin K requirement for women.

Constituents:

Lettuce is rich in vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, carbohydrate, protein, fiber and water. The vitamins in lettuce are A, K, C, riboflavin and folate. Minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Most varieties have a good balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

Benefits:

• The high roughage content in Lettuce helps alleviate constipation.
• Rich in iron, the vegetable increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood and therefore, is beneficial in the treatment of anemia.
• The juice of Lettuce leaves has a tranquilizing effect and induces sleep.
• Due to its high folic acid content, Lettuce is beneficial for pregnant women.