Lettuce obtains its scientific name from the milky “latex” liquid that seeps out of its stems after being cut. This milky fluid, called ‘lectucarium' gives lettuce the mildly bitter taste as well as providing it with medicinal value. The compound delivers sedative like effect of opium, without any of the dangerous consequences. Both the leaf and stem are safe for consumption.
There are numerous varieties and sub-varieties of lettuce available, with the iceberg, butterhead and romaine being the most common. Each variety has its own distinct flavor, texture and keeping qualities. Romaine lettuce offers the most nutritional value while iceberg lettuce contains the minimum amounts.
Recharging Lettuce Juice
Ingredients:
- ½ head romaine lettuce
- 2 sticks of celery
- 1 pear
- 1 lemon
Directions:
Thoroughly wash the ingredients and cut so they fit the juicer easily. Juice all ingredients except lemon; pour in a glass and finally hand squeeze the in lemon last. Drink immediately for maximum benefits.
Add-ons
- Apple
- Ginger
Nutritional Information
When thinking of lettuce, the general rule is that the darker green the color, the more nutrient rich it is and the stronger the flavor. Lettuce is 90 to 95 per cent water so it is low in calories, thus making it a good hydrating drink, not to mention the vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants it is packed with.
A little less than 100 grams of raw lettuce supplies more than 100% of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin K, 45% of vitamin A, nearly 32% of folates, roughly 12% molybdenum, more than 7% manganese, in addition to small amounts of potassium, biotin, copper, iron, phosphorus, chromium, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fats, vitamins B1, B2, B6, & C, .
Health Benefits of Lettuce
Among the many benefits lettuce provides include its anti-anemic properties. These are due to the excessive amounts of chlorophyll and iron used in the production of red blood cells. The anti-oxidants in the vegetable aide in removing free radicals responsible for damaging healthy cells thereby preventing premature aging and many chronic diseases. It is believed that the high amounts of vitamin K offers protection to bone health, as it is used in production of a bone protein that strengthens bone tissue. Lettuce contains a number of compounds that help to relieve irritating cough in addition to symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.