Lettuce leaves are one of the very low calorie green-vegetables. 100 g fresh greens provide just 15 calories.Nonetheless, they are the store house of many phyto-nutrients that possess health promoting and disease prevention properties.

Fresh leaves contain good amounts folates and vitamin C. Folates are part of co-factors in the enzyme metabolism required for DNA synthesis and therefore, play a vital role in prevention of the neural tube defects in the baby (fetus) during pregnancy.

It also contains good amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are very essential for body metabolism. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is essential for red blood cell formation.

Regular inclusion of lettuce in salads is known to prevent osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anemia, and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases, ARMD, Alzheimer’s disease and cancers

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

• Health Turkey and cucumber lettuce wraps.
• Spicy tofu lettuce wraps.
• BBQ chicken chopped salad lettuce.