The Sunday News
1 Low calorie content and almost zero fat.
Lettuce has only 12 calories for one shredded cup.
This is why it is so good for weight loss.
2 Helps weight loss
Lettuce contains fibre and cellulose. Besides filling you up, fibre improves your digestion. Improving your digestion may not sound like a good thing for losing weight, but it is actually essential for long term weight control.
Fibre also helps remove bile salts from the body. When the body replaces these salts it breaks down cholesterol to do so. This is why lettuce is also good for your heart! (See next point.)
3 Heart healthy
Lettuce’s vitamin C and beta-carotene work together to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. This prevents the build-up of plaque.
4 Omega-3 fatty acids
Romaine lettuce has a two to one ratio of omega-3 to omega-6. That’s a great ratio.
The fat content in lettuce is not significant UNLESS you eat a lot — but we actually suggest you do!
5 Complete protein
Romaine lettuce’s calories are 20 per cent protein. Like all whole foods, much of this protein is complete, but the amount can be increased by combining with balancing proteins.
6 Helps with insomnia
The white fluid that you see when you break or cut lettuce leaves is called lactucarium.
This has relaxing and sleep inducing properties similar to opium but without the strong side effects. Simply eat a few leaves or drink some lettuce juice.
7 Lettuce is alkaline forming
The minerals in lettuce help remove toxins and keep your acid/alkaline balance in order. Once you are balanced on this level there are a host of benefits including greater energy, clearer thinking, deep restful sleep, and youthful skin. To browse more benefits check out Benefits of An Alkaline Body.
8 Low glycaemic index
Lettuce has an average glycaemic index of 15, but because it has so few calories, its glycaemic load is considered zero. Foods with low glycaemic indexes are great for anyone watching their blood sugars for medical reasons, or for weight management.
Of course, lettuce has no refined or white sugars and the host of problems that come with them. — www.healthbenefits.com
