Low in calories and source of fiber
Lettuce is the most bought vegetable in the Netherlands. It is not a vitamin bomb, but by combining and varying it, you can always make a nutritious and delicious dish. By adding other vegetables or tasty dressings. Because lettuce is not only healthy, it also contains few calories. These and more reasons to eat lettuce.
1. It counts as a vegetable
The more vegetables you eat, the better. Vegetables, including lettuce, provide many health benefits and are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases. The advice is to eat at least 250 grams of vegetables per day. So have a nice salad with lunch or top your sandwich with a few leaves of lettuce.
2. It contains vitamins
There are many different types of lettuce: head lettuce, iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, oak leaf lettuce, lamb’s lettuce, red lettuce, arugula. Just to name a few. Lettuce is not a vitamin bomb, but each variety has its benefits. Iceberg lettuce, for example, is rich in calcium and vitamin C. And head lettuce contains a lot of vitamin A.
3. It contains fiber
Lettuce is also a source of dietary fiber. These are important for proper digestion. It is recommended to eat about 30 to 40 grams of fiber per day.
4. Low Calories
Lettuce itself contains few calories, but by adding dressing or a large amount of cheese, for example, your salad can still turn into a calorie bomb. Do you think you are healthy when you buy a meal salad in the supermarket? Research by the Consumers’ Association has shown that these are full of fat and that they also contain far too much salt. So make your own slim salad with lots of vegetables and a dressing that is not too greasy. It is also better not to buy prepackaged lettuce in bags. This is often no longer good after two days.
5. Antioxidants
Lettuce contains antioxidants. These scavenge free radicals. Free radicals are aggressive substances that can cause damage to cells and tissues in unfavorable cases. Antioxidants can help against damage and thus possibly prevent diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease in the long term. Of all lettuce varieties, red lettuce contains the most antioxidants and nutrients. This is because darker leaves absorb more light and combine vitamins. If you eat a healthy and varied diet, you will get enough antioxidants. Taking more antioxidants through supplements does not provide additional health benefits, and may even pose a risk.
A few ideas to vary with lettuce:
- Green salad with herbs
- Salad with grapes and cheese
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