Lettuce is one of the vegetables found in the cabbage family. It is one of the foods richest in water(94.9%).
Properties and indications...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Lettuce is a very poor source of carbohydrates (0.6%) and fat (0.2%), which explains its low energetic contribution. The nutritional and therapeutic value of lettuce is based on the following components:
Vitamin C: The concentration of this vitamin in lettuce is 23mg/100g, a little less than half of the lemon or orange.
Minerals: lettuce is noted for its potassium (299mg/100g) and iron (1.1mg/100g) content. It has significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, as well as the trace elements zinc, copper, and magnesium.
Provitamin A: 100g of lettuce provides 260ųg which represents a quarter of the daily requirement of this provitamin.
Vegetable fiber: contains 1.7% that contributes a mild laxative effect.
Sedative and sleep-inducing substances, the same as found in the latex of wild lettuce, but in much lower portion. These substances are chemically similar to opium, but they are completely lacking in toxicity and addictive properties.
Because of this composition, lettuce has the following properties:sedative,sleep induction, aperitif, alkalizer, and remineralizer. It is indicated for the following conditions:
•Functional disorder of the nervous system, such as nervousness, stress or psychological tension, or anxiety. Regular lettuce consumption produces a mild, and sometimes imperceptible sedative effect, while providing necessary B vitamins for nervous system stability.
• Insomnia: A large supper consisting of only lettuce is recommended at night for insomnia.
• Digestive disorders: When eaten before a meal, lettuce tones the sto.ach and facilitates digestion.
•Constipation: Lettuce facilitates intestinal function because of its excellent digestibility and fiber content.
•Obesity: Lettuce produces a great sense of satiety, but provides few calories. At the same time it helps relieve nervousness and anxiety regarding food that often accompanies Obesity.
•Diabetes: Lettuce is very low in carbohydrates, therefore, diabetics can eat it limited only by appetite.
Having a good dish of lettuce, properly dressed with oil and lemon, eases digestion and helps to induce sleep, besides producing a remarkable sensation of satiety.
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