I am a hearty lettuce
This leafy vegetable commonly used in making salads, sandwiches and
hamburgers, belongs to the daisy family of vegetables. Lettuce is packed
with plenty of nutrients that nourish the body. It is low in calories and
contains over 90 per cent water. The vegetable is high in dietary fibre, which
aids in digestion and helps treat constipation. Also, fibre greatly aids in the
digestion of fat in the intestines and the absorption of glucose in the blood.
People who frequently consume foods high in dietary fibre are less likely to
develop high cholesterol levels or experience rapid changes in blood sugar
levels.
Lettuce contains phytonutrients, which signal the body to produce enzymes
involved in the detoxification of the body. These enzymes help to fight free
radicals that can cause different types of cancer, including lung and colon
cancer. The vegetable is also rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, polyphenols
and beta-carotene, a compound that gives vegetables and fruits their colour.
The presence of magnesium in lettuce makes it beneficial for the strengthening
of muscle tissues, brain and nerve cells. The vegetable is an excellent source
of iron, which is vital for enhancing the distribution of oxygen throughout the
body and also enhancing the functioning of the immune system. In addition,lettuce is also a good source of folate and vitamins A and K.