Why iceberg lettuce is useful for the human body
Why iceberg lettuce is useful, its contraindications and application should be known to every person who monitors their health. Outwardly, it is similar to white cabbage and has a huge amount of nutrients necessary for the body. It is not only used in cooking as a decoration, in salads and as a vitamin supplement. Its composition attracted medical professionals and cosmetologists.
Chemical composition and calorie content
Chemical analyzes revealed the following components of the vitamin complex:
- AND;
- E;
- there is a group B (except for B 12);
- beta carotene;
- vitamin C.
The iceberg lettuce contains vitamin K (phylloquinone). It is a biologically active compound that stabilizes the work of almost all human systems and organs.
The following macro-microelements were also identified, which are contained in large quantities:
- calcium;
- sodium;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- copper;
- potassium.
And already in an insignificant content of manganese, zinc, iron and selenium. But the alkaloid lactucin has found wide application in cosmetology and medicine. The energy value of the fleshy, juicy and crunchy leaves is as follows: protein - 0.9 g, fat - 0.14 g, carbohydrates - 1.77 g.
It is very useful to use iceberg lettuce for people suffering from overweight or simply watching their figure due to low calorie content, since 100 g contains no more than 14 Kcal.
Why iceberg lettuce is useful
Iceberg salad is useful fresh:
- Consumption contributes to the fight against insomnia, helps to cope with the occurrence of negative processes in stressful situations and get rid of depression.
- Prevents the development of heart attack, stroke, beneficially affecting the work of the cardiovascular system.
- The beneficial composition of iceberg lettuce helps fight excess cholesterol, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots, varicose veins, and the appearance of atherosclerosis.
- Fiber, which is part of it, normalizes metabolic metabolism, the digestive system and the function of the intestinal tract.
- Minerals strengthen the immune system, protect against viral infections and various bacteria.
- The benefits of iceberg lettuce have been proven for schoolchildren and students, as well as for the body of people whose profession is associated with mental activity.
- The substances that make up the composition and the juice based on lactarine are used for pain relief.
- Scientists claim that this salad is able to fight cancer by slowing blood flow to cancer cells and promoting their self-destruction.
- Is it possible for his nursing mother? Iceberg lettuce is a hypoallergenic product. Doctors advise adding it to the menu to increase the fat content of breast milk.
- Recommended for pregnant women. Folic acid contributes to the full development of the fetus and the health of the expectant mother.
In addition to these properties, it is important to note that fresh lettuce leaves eliminate the unpleasant odor emanating from a sore stomach or damaged teeth. It disinfects the oral cavity and even treats stomatitis.
Contraindications
Despite the huge number of useful properties of iceberg lettuce, it also has a number of contraindications.
Very rarely there are people with hypersensitivity to certain components, and sometimes green lettuce leaves are simply not tolerated by the body.
Unpleasant symptoms may occur in the form of:
- pain in the pancreas and liver;
- bitterness in the mouth.
With such manifestations, it is necessary to reduce or completely abandon the intake of greens.
Please note that it is worth starting to introduce into the diet of infants in small portions only the first month of life and in the morning. Monitor its condition.
For people on a diet, it is impossible to almost completely replace good nutrition with iceberg salad. The body needs more nutrients and nutrients.
Application in cosmetology and medical practice
The ingredients of iceberg lettuce attract more than just traditional medicine. The more often people consume this fresh greens (without overusing), the more benefits they bring to their body. Preventive measures will also come in handy.
Decoctions of leaves have learned to treat the first signs of cystitis at home, and steamed seeds improve lactation in nursing mothers.
At home, many have learned to make various nourishing masks for face, hair and nails. This helps to increase elasticity and improve the condition of the integument, prevent the appearance of wrinkles. The plant sap is used to reduce fat content.
Correct selection and storage
Usually the weight of a ripe head of iceberg lettuce is 0.5 kg, when viewed, it should be symmetrical. Leaves with good quality are juicy, light green in color, not damaged and do not fall apart.
Blackheads, darkening and lethargy can only indicate pests, spraying with various nitrates, and also if the vegetable is not stored properly.
Now in stores you can see lettuce leaves packed in special bags that help create optimal conditions for greens and save them from premature wilting.
At home, good housewives can increase the shelf life for iceberg lettuce and give some simple advice:
- The washed leaves must be completely dried, the damage must be removed by hand, and not with iron objects (knife, scissors).
- Place in a spacious container or bag. A cling film will serve as a lid, in which it is imperative to make holes for oxygen.
- If a minimum shelf life is assumed, then it is enough to lay the leaves with cuttings down, pinching off a few millimeters.
- In the refrigerator, use only the lower shelves for vegetables.
- Cannot be stored open.
The presence of fresh herbs on the table is a must in every family that monitors health. With the help of iceberg salad, rich in properties valuable for the body, you can not only decorate dishes when serving. It is found in many low-calorie snack recipes.