Salad herb beneficial properties. How is salad good for human health? Contraindications for use

Lettuce has long ceased to be considered a simple table decoration. At the moment, it is a complete dietary product that can be included in the mass dietary dishes- salads, cocktails, sandwiches. And due to its low calorie content, this product can be consumed in unlimited quantities.

Beneficial features

What are the benefits of leaf lettuce? Experts have proven that the valuable composition of this plant has the most beneficial effect on the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract; thanks to its diuretic property, it removes excess fluid from the body. The beneficial properties of leaf lettuce have a beneficial effect on vision, blood circulation and the blood itself, since the components included in the plant take part in the movement of iron and the formation of red blood cells. Often, lettuce leaves, due to their high content of folic acid, which is responsible for the normal development of the fetus, are included in the diet of pregnant women. But the greatest advantage of this product lies precisely in its low calorie content.

However, it should be immediately noted that when we talk about the benefits of leaf lettuce, we mean a fresh plant or one that was cut no more than 3 hours ago. It must be remembered that stale leaves, alas, lose their useful qualities. When purchasing this food product, preference should be given only to freshly cut leaves or plants in pots.

Due to the huge content of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, lettuce leaves are among the ten most healthy products nutrition. They are recommended to be consumed as often as possible by elderly people and children.

Beneficial features lettuce:

• this product has a beneficial effect on immune system;
• normalizes the nervous system;
• promotes rapid recovery of strength after a long illness;
• gives a slight calming and hypnotic effect;
• improves food digestion;
• The plant works well to whet the appetite.

In addition, lettuce has long been used as a blood purifier and to treat headaches. People who are weather dependent are advised to eat at least a few leaves during a magnetic storm. And this is not a complete list of all the possibilities of this product, the beneficial qualities of which are widely used in cooking, scientific and folk medicine.

Harm of lettuce

None negative influence The plant has no effect on the human body. Its use should be limited only in case of individual intolerance.

Salad in cosmetology

Leaf lettuce is perfect for use in cosmetology.

Skin care recipes:

1. Mask for dry skin: grind 8-10 lettuce leaves with 3 tbsp. l. sour cream. Apply the mixture for 15 minutes 1-2 times a week. This product nourishes, tones and refreshes the skin well.
2. Rub the salad into a paste and take 3 tbsp. l., 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil. This is a wonderful nourishing mask.
3. To relieve inflammation and prevent peeling, you can prepare a decoction of lettuce leaves. Lotions help with sunburn quite well.

Lettuce for weight loss

There is no doubt that this product is great for helping you lose weight, since its calorie content is very low. But losing weight by eating only one salad is not recommended, because the body, in addition to “green” food, also requires proteins and fats. Therefore, in order not to harm your health and acquire slim figure, it is necessary to combine lettuce leaves with foods such as fish, vegetables, seafood, vegetables, eggs, cheese, nuts, etc.

A few simple rules for dieting

Remember a few simple tips:

• salads should be seasoned with vegetable oils or yogurt, low-fat sour cream;
• add cinnamon, ginger, cilantro and lemon juice to them;
• do not add a lot of nuts to salads, as they are saturated with fats;
• Mustard, arugula, oak and some other lettuce varieties should be soaked for 7-10 minutes in clean water before use. This will help get rid of their inherent bitterness;
• tear the salad with your hands - if it comes into contact with a metal knife, it will lose many useful substances and its appearance;
• Add the dressing to the salad before serving, otherwise it will wilt and become soggy.

Try to prepare different salads and dishes every day. Don’t torment yourself with monotonous food, which will not only help you lose weight, but will make you feel depressed.

Lettuce: recipes

We offer several simple recipes preparing leaf lettuce.

Instant salads

• You need to take a large dish and place well-washed lettuce leaves on it. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper, pour over refined vegetable oil, sprinkle with lemon juice. Then squeeze out a few cloves of garlic and mix everything carefully.
• Sort 300 grams of lettuce leaves, rinse and leave in water for a few minutes. Then place on a towel to drain off excess moisture. Tear the salad into small pieces with your hands, add chopped egg, chopped onion, grated cheese. Mix all ingredients and drizzle over salad lemon juice and water olive oil.
• To prepare a sandwich you need to take whole grain bread, boiled chicken breast, lettuce, salt and pepper. This dish can perfectly satisfy your hunger.

Preparing lettuce for the winter

Like all green vegetables, you can prepare leaf lettuce for the winter. The leaves are stored in the freezer and thawed immediately before use. There are also many ways to marinate them.

Salad greens don't appear on our table too often. Many people don’t consider lettuce leaves to be a normal product, thinking that it is only suitable for a young lady who dreams of losing weight or a convinced vegetarian. And, of course, you can’t feed a real man with lettuce leaves. However, the irony in this case is completely inappropriate - this “light” product, in its beneficial properties, will give a head start to many dishes familiar to everyone.

The Romans ate lettuce leaves with pleasure. Its name comes from Herba Salata, which means “salty herb” in Latin. In those days, they didn’t bother with lettuce for a long time; they simply tore the leaves of the plant coarsely, watered it, and salted it. In the Middle Ages, lettuce leaves were served as a side dish for meat dishes.

What are the benefits of salad?

Beneficial properties of lettuce and greens

Few people know that all salad greens contain vitamin C and carotene in such quantities that they can give a head start to many fruits and vegetables.

• For example, parsley and dill are rich in carotene; its content in these products is 1.5 milligrams per 100 grams of greens. This is more than in such well-known sources of carotene as tomatoes and.

Carotenoids, which are found in large quantities in salad leaves and greens, will help maintain good vision, are beneficial for the health of the skin and mucous membranes, and can even protect against Alzheimer's disease.

• Lettuce leaves contain from 10 to 50 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams of product, almost the same as in the recognized leaders in the content of this vitamin we need - lemons.
• Moreover, this useful plant contains folic acid, B vitamins and minerals. Folic acid is beneficial for both children and their parents. It can have a particularly good effect on the reproductive function of women and men.
• Lettuce leaves contain a lot of vitamin K, which is involved in regulating blood clotting.
• All leafy greens contain various minerals: sodium, copper, iodine, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and iron.

Lettuce leaves: how to store and eat

• Lettuce leaves should be stored in the refrigerator in the vegetable compartment.
• When storing the salad, it must be wrapped in a paper or plastic bag, otherwise it will dry out and wither.
• Before storing the salad in the refrigerator, lettuce leaves must be dried. Wet leaves in a bag will quickly wither.
• To serve, the leaves do not need to be cut; large ones can be torn by hand, and small ones can be easily disassembled.
• Do not prepare the salad in advance; season and salt it immediately before eating.
• Salad is used not only for decoration, it serves as a side dish, as an addition to meat and fish, and as an independent product.
• An excellent combination is lettuce with garlic or lemon juice. In this case, they don’t even need to be salted.

Cooks consider lettuce to be a godsend. In addition to the fact that it perfectly decorates dishes, making them very original and appetizing, its nutritional qualities are widely known. An important advantage of the leaves is the early growth period. While the rest of the vegetables are ripening, it is already on the table. Therefore, the benefits and harms of lettuce leaves should be known to every housewife. Especially if you want to use a product that is beneficial to the body not only immediately, but also save it for the winter.

Types of lettuce

There are two large conventional groups of lettuces - cabbage and leaf. If previously the leaves were used mainly to decorate dishes, now it is the benefits of green salad for the body that have caused its growth in popularity. The varieties differ not only in size and color, but also have different taste qualities. Choose suitable plant is not difficult. The most common leaf varieties are:

Batavia

The earliest view from large leaves, wavy at the ends. It has a very delicate taste and good juiciness. Used in vegetable recipes, for making sandwiches and vegetable snacks.

Important! The variety is not suitable for long-term storage.

Arugula

A mega-popular variety due to its taste parameters and positive effect on the body. Strengthening the immune system, helping with the digestive tract and improving metabolism are the invaluable qualities of lettuce leaves. A relative of dandelion with a spicy aroma and an unusual nutty-mustard taste. It grows with separate stems and makes an excellent combination with cherry tomatoes and olive oil.

Lollo Rossa

Second famous name– coral salad. Grown in two color ranges– with red leaves and green ones. The green species is called Lollo Bionda. The difference from other varieties is an intense nutty taste with a slight bitterness. Pairs with both hot and cold appetizers, with spicy and sweet sauces, meat dishes, baked vegetables. Designers grow the plant in garden beds as decoration.

lettuce

The most ancient of the known salads. There are up to 100 varieties of leaves, which differ in color, shape, and configuration. Quite bland taste, almost without hints of bitterness or acid. Therefore, they are used in combination with bright, fresh vegetables or as a lining for any salad.

Important! Lettuce leaves are very delicate and do not tolerate touching hot temperatures.

Watercress

Belongs to the cabbage family. The second name is less sonorous - bedbug. The stem is very thin, the leaves are small, dissected. It grows very quickly and is ready for use 2 weeks after sowing. The leaves have a slightly pungent taste, more like mustard, so they are often used to make seasonings.

Chard

Swiss chard and romaine cabbage are also called chard. It belongs to the subspecies of common beet, but it is not the root crop that is eaten, but the leaves. Goes well with other vegetables in salads, added to cold appetizers, borscht, beetroot soup or casseroles. Housewives use the leaves to prepare cabbage rolls, which turn out very tender.

Romaine

The second famous name is Roman lettuce. The peculiarity of this species is that it does not belong to any of the species; it is considered intermediate. Has long dense leaves. They are juicy, slightly sweet and spicy. There are many hybrids of Romaine lettuce - Salanova, Dendi, Kosberg, Wendel.

Field salad

It went from a weed to an amazing culinary product. Combines with any seasonings, but is also good on its own. There are many varieties, suitable for combining with smoked fish, bacon, boiled vegetables and poultry.

Spinach

There are many varieties of spinach, each with a different leaf shape. There are summer and winter views spinach The salad has a sweetish taste, the leaves are very good fresh or boiled. In many cuisines around the world it is used to prepare specialty pies, omelettes and casseroles.

Chemical composition of lettuce leaves

Salad leaves do not have a high concentration of substances, but their composition is rich and varied. Most of all they contain fiber, monosaccharides, and nitrogenous compounds. Lettuce is dominated by B vitamins, tocopherol and carotene. There are many minerals and trace elements - iron, manganese, titanium, aluminum, molybdenum, zinc. Naturally, their set and quantity depends on the composition of the soil in which the plant grows.

The chemical composition changes under the influence of environmental conditions. Leaf species contain more carotene and dry matter than cabbage. In addition to its culinary value, leaf lettuce brings great benefit for good health.

Calorie content and nutritional value of lettuce

The leaves of the plant are very popular due to the low calorie content of the product. For 100 grams of leaf lettuce, the calorie content ranges from 14 kcal or 58 kJ, depending on the variety. With such a low indicator, the culture has a large amount of protein - 1.48 g, and fat - only 0.29 g.

What are the benefits of lettuce for the body?

The benefits of lettuce leaves for the human body are truly enormous. When compared with other products, one should immediately note the low calorie content and low glycemic index. This explains the recommendations of nutritionists for eating salads for overweight people, as well as for diabetics.

Combination with protein products makes the leaves very useful for athletes during heavy physical activity. And during mental stress, the plant will supply the brain with nutrients, enrich it with oxygen, and help avoid excessive consumption of sweets. In addition, useful substances will increase overall performance and improve mood.

It cannot be said that all varieties of lettuce have the same beneficial properties. But a beneficial effect on the immune system is inherent in any member of the culture.

For women

The main benefit of lettuce for women is due to the presence of folic acid (vitamin B9) in it. The female body needs it for:

• memory improvement, support nervous system in stressful situations;
• increasing immunity, reducing inflammatory processes;
• strengthening the growth of hair follicles;
• slowing down the formation of wrinkles, improving the condition of the skin;
• normalization of blood circulation, prevention of thrombosis, anemia;
• reducing the risk of cancer;
• regulation of hormonal balance;
• improving digestion processes;
• positive effect on metabolic processes, weight loss;
• normalization of sleep, increased concentration.

This is not a complete list of the positive effects of eating lettuce in women.

Important! The useful substance does not accumulate in the female body, so it requires regular replenishment.

It follows that it is recommended to include lettuce leaves in your diet all year round.

For men

The chemical composition of lettuce leaves is quite complex; it promotes the production of testosterone. If there is enough of this hormone in the male body, then all reproductive organs function without problems. Since ancient times, some species have been considered aphrodisiacs, such as arugula.

The presence of B vitamins prevents insomnia, irritability, and relieves fatigue. The consumption of lettuce leaves has great benefits for the body of athletes:

• muscles gain tone;
• painful symptoms quickly go away after increased exercise;
• The overall endurance of the body increases.

Lettuce leaves also supply the male body with substances that promote hair growth and stop the process of baldness.

For pregnant and nursing mothers

Garden salad has great benefits for expectant and nursing mothers. With regular use of the plant, the body receives the required amount useful elements for the harmonious intrauterine development of the child. Increase the quantity of milk and improve its quality when breastfeeding A water infusion of lettuce seeds helps. During pregnancy folic acid protects expectant mother from miscarriage and placental abruption, promotes the absorption of necessary nutrients, improves the functioning of body systems.

For the elderly

The daily menu of older people must contain lettuce. The substances in their composition protect brain cells from the pathogenic effects of chemical elements that cause cancer problems. Due to its stimulating effect on neurons, the product is a good prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Elderly people are often diagnosed with diabetes. For this disease, foods with low GI are indicated. Has a mild laxative effect. Lettuce is on the list of the most recommended greens for diabetics.

Is it possible to give lettuce to children?

The presence of substances in the plant that have a calming effect on the child’s body has been proven. Therefore, it is useful for an active child of any gender to include it in the evening meal. At the same time, lettuce leaves strengthen the immune system. Permitted to use raw salad on the menu for children from 1.5 years of age. Boiled leaves can also be given to infants from the moment of vegetable complementary feeding. In addition, children love beautiful dishes; salad is a great helper for mothers in this matter.

Important! For babies, choose only green-colored leaves, avoid white ones.

The product should not be given to children with neuro-arthritic diathesis.

Lettuce for weight loss

Lettuce leaves are often used for weight loss; this brings invaluable benefits to the body. It is that:

• the dish receives a good volume without simultaneously increasing calorie content;
• the product is available at any time of the year, it is easy to grow at home;
• the salad contains an optimal set of micro- and macroelements, amino acids that replenish the body’s losses during weight loss;
• leaves consist of coarse dietary fiber - cellulose;
• a large amount of vitamin C helps quickly break down cholesterol cells;
• There is a powerful detoxification of the body and stabilization of the digestion process.

We can conclude that the salad diet facilitates the functioning of the body’s systems and supports it during the cleansing period.

Important! You cannot use a mono-diet of lettuce leaves, because the plant does not contain enough of all the necessary elements.

How to use lettuce leaves for medicinal purposes

The medicinal properties of lettuce are very diverse. The plant is used in folk and traditional medicine recipes. Main useful qualities:

• improves the quality and composition of blood;
• protects the body from anemia;
• strengthens the immune system;
• reduces blood sugar levels;
• removes salts;
• strengthens blood vessels and nerve fibers;
• restores muscle tissue;
• helps to get out of depression;
• supplies the skeletal system with calcium.

Leaf lettuce is used not only for preventive purposes, but also as part of the treatment of various diseases.

For gastritis

An important advantage of lettuce over other products is that it is quickly digested and does not burden the stomach. For diagnosed gastritis with low acidity, it is used to enhance the secretion of gastric juice. But with high acidity, the product is contraindicated.

For pancreatitis

There are medical indications for consuming lettuce leaves for disorders of the pancreas. Greens are included in the diet twice a week.

Important! For pancreatitis, it is necessary to dip the leaves in hot milk for 3-5 minutes before use.

Not all varieties of lettuce are allowed for patients with pancreatitis. During illness, you will have to exclude watercress and arugula.

What can you make from lettuce?

The largest mass of recipes are salads. You can cook them in any combination. Fresh vegetables, cheese, chicken, etc. are suitable. An excellent option for breakfast is an omelet with lettuce and cheese, and green sandwiches.

Adding leaves saturates first courses well. Aromatic salads are prepared dietary soups, which are also allowed for baby food. The original dish will be green cream soup.

Daily intake of lettuce

Eating lettuce leaves is allowed throughout the day. It is best raw, but the product is also very healthy when boiled, stewed or fried. The daily dose for adults is 100 g of fresh leaves. For children under 12 years of age, reduce the dose to 50 g per day.

The use of lettuce in home cosmetology

The green product is very beneficial for the skin, healthy hair, and nails. The most popular types of products remain masks or infusions. They are prepared with the addition of various components and are used for problems with the condition of the skin and hair. The most important thing is that there are no contraindications for use, the products are suitable for any skin type.

Face masks

Lettuce leaves contain up to 90% moisture, so they are amazing moisturizers for the skin. In addition, they contain a whole list of useful substances that restore, cleanse, and nourish the epidermis. Using the plant helps remove skin flaking and prevent premature aging.

Recipe with a softening effect for the skin of the hands and face:

1. Chop lettuce leaves.
2. For 1 tbsp. l. add 1 tsp to the mixture. corn oil and 2-3 drops of lemon juice.
3. Take 2 tbsp. l. the resulting slurry, mix with 1 tbsp. l. sour cream.
4. After applying to the skin, leave for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Option that increases the elasticity of the epidermis:

1. Mix 3 tbsp. l. salad pulp, 1 tbsp. l. olive oil, 1 tsp. lemon juice.
2. Leave on skin for 20 minutes.

To remove peeling:

1. Grind 8 leaves with 3 tbsp. l. sour cream or yogurt.
2. Apply a thin layer and leave for 15 minutes.

Anti-dandruff mask

Burdock oil is good for hair, it strengthens it and helps get rid of dandruff:

1. Grind the fox lettuce, add 4-5 drops of burdock oil.
2. Apply to scalp, massaging lightly.
3. Wash off after 20 minutes.

How to choose the right lettuce leaves

The main criterion is the freshness of the product. Limp, darkened or damaged leaves should not be taken. Wax gloss is also not needed. Choose greens of rich natural color. It is important that there is no mucus on the stem. For the cook the main objective– purchase a quality plant, rather than strive for its attractiveness.

Preparing lettuce for the winter

Wash and dry the leaves first.

There are several ways to prepare a useful product:

1. Freezing. It is best to cut the leaves into strips, then place them in plastic bags and place them in the freezer. You won’t be able to use it in salads; you’ll have to prepare omelettes, casseroles, and pureed soups. Thawed salad does not have elasticity and attractive appearance.
2. Drying. Young leaves will do. After drying, store in a tightly closed container. Use as a vitamin supplement and for cosmetic infusions.
3. Pickling. In this form it is easy to store lettuce in the refrigerator. Prepare the marinade, place the leaves in a jar, sprinkle with chopped garlic, pour in the marinade and cover with oppression. Shelf life is about a month. You can choose the marinade recipe to suit your taste. If you need to roll up the jars, the leaves are first fried with garlic and poured with aromatic vinegar.

Conclusion

When consumed in any form, the benefits and harms of lettuce leaves must be taken into account. This is necessary to properly cook juicy greens. Just a few leaves a day will significantly improve the general condition of the body and help you acquire an attractive appearance.

Did you find this article useful?

An annual plant, during the summer it manages to sprout, grow and produce seeds. Salad is consumed mainly fresh with vinegar and oil or in combination with other types of vegetables. Adding salad to meat, fish and potato dishes not only improves their taste, but also significantly increases their digestibility. Salad contains many different vitamins, minerals and organic substances.

Lettuce is an early ripening crop and is often the first to appear on the table. According to the period of consumer ripeness, salads are divided into spring, summer and autumn. Gardeners grow mainly four types of lettuces: leaf, cabbage, romaine and asparagus.

Its cultural history goes back to the distant past. It was already known in ancient times to the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. In European countries, salad appeared in culture in the middle of the 16th century.

The origin of the plant is unknown, but nowadays it is widely cultivated in vegetable gardens. Until now, the origin of the cultural forms of lettuce has not been precisely established, just as its existing diversity has not been established.

The emergence of a huge number of lettuce varieties is the result of crossing between its main varieties, which originate from different countries.

Useful properties of salad

Lettuce salad is rich in folic acid, which regulates metabolism and is involved in the functioning of the nervous and hematopoietic systems. In terms of total salt content, lettuce is second only to spinach. It is also rich in microelements: it contains copper, zinc, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, titanium, boron, iodine.

Lettuce leaves contain more than 38% potassium, 15% calcium, more than 5% iron and about 5% magnesium, more than 9% phosphorus and a lot of sulfur, which is part of hemoglobin and plays the role of an oxidizing agent. Many nervous diseases arise as a result of sulfur and phosphorus entering the body in inorganic form (for example, when eating meat and cereals). In combination with silicon (lettuce leaves contain more than 8%), sulfur and phosphorus are necessary for the normal condition of skin, tendons and hair growth.

The cell juice of lettuce contains nitrate, sulfate and hydrochloride salts of potassium, which have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the kidneys, liver, pancreas and circulatory system.

The iron contained in lettuce leaves is the most active element in the body, so it is important that it is renewed more often than any other element. The liver and spleen are sites of iron accumulation; it is used by the body in case of sudden need (for example, for the rapid formation of red blood cells after a large loss of blood), and also in the event that food does not contain required quantity this element in organic form.

As a product for children and dietary nutrition Lettuce is useful for diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle; it improves digestion, has a calming effect on the nervous system, and has a mild hypnotic effect. Recommended for older people, for those who have suffered a severe debilitating illness.

An aqueous infusion of crushed seeds increases the amount of milk in nursing mothers. Lettuce juice preparations are an effective homeopathic remedy for heart disease. In folk medicine, an infusion of fresh crushed leaves is prescribed for increased emotional excitability, insomnia, chronic gastritis, scurvy, hypertension, and liver diseases.

Eating salad also has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, which prevents the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and obesity.

CRESS salad contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, large amounts of iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B17, C, D, E and K. Cress salad acts as a mild stimulant and excellent stimulates appetite. It is a known source of phytochemicals and antioxidants. Watercress has diuretic and expectorant properties and improves digestion. In addition, watercress helps with colds, runny nose, bronchial diseases, stress, back and joint pain, arthritis, anemia, constipation and emphysema.

Watercress salad is one of the best sources of iodine, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Watercress leaves are used as a lotion to treat enlarged prostate glands. Sulfur, which is contained in watercress, plays an important role in the processes of protein absorption, blood purification and cell construction, and is also necessary for healthy hair and skin. Watercress is famous for its antiscorbutic properties. Watercress leaves or juice are also used for cosmetic purposes - to cleanse the skin, eliminate acne and pimples. Daily consumption of watercress during cancer significantly reduces the level of DNA destruction and increases the resistance of cells to further DNA destruction by free radicals. In addition, watercress lowers blood triglyceride levels by an average of 10%.

Regular consumption of watercress helps to increase blood levels of lutein and beta-carotene, which act as antioxidants by 100% and 33%, respectively. High levels of these pigments reduce the likelihood of developing eye diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Until recently, lettuce and other types of such greens did not often appear on the tables of our compatriots. Well, the thing is that many simply did not consider salad to be an independent dish, it was most often used to decorate dishes, real salads dressed with high-calorie mayonnaise, and if lettuce or watercress appeared on the menu, it only meant what you decided go on a diet or become a convinced vegetarian (find out the benefits and harms of vegetarianism). However, if you take a closer look at the composition of these green leaves, find out their calorie content and, of course, take an interest in the aspects of their benefits, then you can learn a lot interesting facts, which, rest assured, will definitely make you start growing lettuce in your garden.

World Without Harm is ready to tell you about all the “salad” secrets and its benefits and harms...

Lettuce leaves - interesting facts

Plants called lettuce belong to the Asteraceae or Compositae family, and today they are a completely independent and popular garden crop. But science, unfortunately, still does not have data on where lettuce leaves were first grown. But today any of us can grow salad on our own summer cottage or... on your windowsill (more on that later). This plant is very unpretentious and produces a large harvest in the form of juicy green or red leaves, with velvety or straight edges.

It is noteworthy that this plant has its own history. Thus, scientists attribute the evidence that salad can and is healthy to eat to the era Ancient Rome. Back then, the proud and warlike Romans ate lettuce almost every day. At the same time, they called it salty grass, for its specific salty taste. At the same time, the recipe for the ancient Roman salad is striking in its simplicity - the leaves of the plant were coarsely torn (not cut, pay attention to this), they were poured with olive oil, salted to taste and the appetizing dish was ready. A little later, in the Middle Ages, lettuce leaves began to be served as an independent side dish for meat dishes...

Types of salad

It will be interesting for you and me to know that there are more than 100 types of lettuces, and they are all conditionally divided into 2 groups - head and leaf (lettuce belongs specifically to the group of leaf lettuces).

So, for example, arugula- a type of leaf lettuce that has a pronounced spicy taste, and arugula has been grown for more than 2 thousand years, and the value of this salad lies in the fact that it contains a record amount of vitamin C and carotenoids. Another type of salad received a very unusual name - Iceberg- it is extremely popular and loved for its taste, and it is called that because for its storage during delivery, once upon a time, the leaves were sprinkled with ice cubes. Today, Iceberg leaves can be stored in another way, but if you keep them in the freezer before serving, they will crunch appetizingly on your teeth, and the greens themselves will be much juicier and fresher. By the way, iceberg lettuce leaves contain a lot of water. Another crunchy salad Romaine, it contains a lot of sodium, but radicchio red– on the contrary, it contains a lot of iron and calcium, while the salad called Chinese cabbage(not to be confused with one of the types of cabbage) is a type of head lettuce...

And, leaves are most often used to decorate dishes. oakleaf lettuce and bright leaves of small salad corn, curly frize or lollo rosso(its leaves are colored greenish-red)…

Composition of lettuce leaves

Lettuce leaves are unusually rich in minerals and vitamins, and their calorie content is very low, so they can be safely eaten as dietary product. By the way, salad is most often eaten in “company” with other vegetables, or together with meat, since green leaves themselves do not give a feeling of fullness. But let's return to their composition.

In lettuce leaves you can find vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin C, B vitamins, PP, carotene, vitamin E, many useful minerals, organic acids, calcium and potassium salts, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and sodium. Also, lettuce leaves contain a specific substance called lactucin and pectins. At the same time, all salad greens, regardless of the type of salad, contain vitamin C and carotene, and in such large quantities that this allows us to say that the lettuce leaves themselves are much healthier in this regard than many vegetables and fruits that we are accustomed to consider rich sources of these substances.

So, for example,

a salad (depending on its type) can contain from 10 to 50 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams of greens - this is approximately the same as in one lemon.

Benefits of lettuce leaves

It is noteworthy that our ancestors did not grow lettuce leaves for their own sake. It was then that they began to prepare salads from the greens themselves or add them to the main dishes of their diet. Initially, lettuce was valuable as a source of seeds, from which oil was subsequently extracted. But, over time, having tasted the taste of lettuce leaves, people began to eat them too. It turned out that this is a very useful activity, since folic acid and pectin stimulate the intestines and help remove harmful cholesterol from the body. And, iron salts help cure iron deficiency. Well, a specific substance, lactucin, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, reduces the rate of salt deposition and improves the quality of your sleep.

By the way, there is an opinion that

If you eat a few lettuce leaves for dinner, you will sleep unusually soundly. And, eating salad leaves for breakfast will stimulate digestion processes, improve blood circulation and normalize metabolic processes in your body..

Benefits of lettuce juice

Traditional medicine uses fresh juice of lettuce leaves, diluted 1 to 1 with water, to treat chronic gastritis and duodenum. And, if you rub this juice into your scalp, your hair will be strong and healthy and you will prevent hair loss (find out why hair falls out).

Using lettuce leaves in cosmetology

Based on the leaves of this greenery, you can prepare masks for the care of dry skin. Such masks will nourish your skin, tone it and refresh it. And, wiping your facial skin with a decoction of lettuce leaves will help you relieve inflammation and get rid of redness and flaking of the skin.

Well, for those who are planning to go to the beach, it will be useful to know that shredded lettuce leaves can be a good alternative to fashionable sunscreens. This mixture should be applied to areas of the body that you are going to expose to the sun, hold for a few minutes, and then rinse off.

Well, masks with watercress will help you get rid of such an unpleasant problem as hair loss, they will also reduce hair loss and make it strong and healthy.

Lettuce leaves for weight loss

Due to the low calorie content of this green, lettuce leaves are often included in all kinds of diets that fight excess weight. And, if we consider the properties of this product, it becomes obvious that this is not accidental. Because, useful composition lettuce leaves replenishes our body's reserves of vitamins and minerals (while on a diet and limiting ourselves in everything, we, as a rule, do not get enough of these vitamins and minerals, therefore, most diets are considered not very healthy - more about these), our processes are normalized digestion and metabolism, and our body gets rid of excess fluids, which we often confuse with excess weight (read). So, those who want to lose weight should definitely include lettuce leaves in their diet.