Lettuce has high water content which is very hydrating for body cells. The water in fruit and vegetables is often very pure and quickly assimilated by our cells providing quality hydration. Lettuce is also a good source of fibre and it does contain vitamins A and C, along with minerals such as silica and magnesium. Lettuce contributes to our health in that it provides a base for other raw salad ingredients, therefore helping and encouraging us to eat highly nutritious fresh and raw foods.
 

It is well know that lettuce is a low calorie food, it provides approximately 7 calories per cup of energy. This being the case, it is a useful food for those wanting to reduce their weight. You are far better off mixing protein foods, such as chicken and cheese, through shredded lettuce as a salad than, for example, having those same foods tossed through pasta.
 

Lettuce contains a particular substance called Lactucarium. This is the milky substance you often see oozing from the stem of fresh garden lettuce. Lactucarium is a type of opiate and it is said to have a calming and sedative effect. The amount you will get in your fresh salad is safe and beneficial for calming the nervous system. The more dramatic effects from Lactucarium are from the concentrated extract promoted for medicinal purposes.
 

The darker green the lettuce leaves, the higher the nutrients. This being the case the popular iceberg lettuce is less nutrient dense than cos lettuce. It is best to eat across a variety of lettuce types to achieve optimum nutrition.

 

Because lettuce can be grown through out the year, it is valuable as an ongoing source of fresh live nutrients. The vitamins A and C are readily available in fresh cut lettuce to work at strengthening over all health. The structure and form of the lettuce is provided by silica and fibre which act as cleansers in our systems helping move toxins out of our system.
 

Ideally grow a variety of lettuces and pick as close to the time of eating as possible. Lessen cutting the leaves as cutting releases enzymes that degrade some of the nutritional benefits.

 

 

Information supplied by Steph Askeur
Fresh-cut enthusiast