Surprising benefits of romaine lettuce. The average American consumes 12.5 pounds of romaine and leaf lettuce such as red and green leaf annually, according to the USDA. It’s likely that you’ve used romaine lettuce in wedge salads, Caesar salads, chopped salads, and more. The green leaves of Romaine lettuce turn to a white stalk with a green tint in the middle of each leaf.
SURPRISING BENEFITS OF ROMAINE LETTUCE
A unique flavor profile is also provided by the leaves, which have a neutral flavor with a hint of bitterness at the bottom. The red kind of romaine lettuce, which has a reddish purple leafy top and a combination of green at the stem, is an alternative to the green romaine we typically find in supermarkets.
1. Fatty Acids Omega-3
Try romaine for a dose of this natural anti-inflammatory if you don’t like fatty seafood. The antioxidant maintains heart health and strengthens immune systems. Nearly 45% of the daily limit is included in each head of romaine lettuce.
2. Protein
Each head of romaine lettuce has around 8 grams of protein, which is essential for weight loss, muscular growth, and cardiovascular health. For anyone looking for a palatable substitute for animal proteins, this is a great choice.
3. Calcium
If you’re not a fan of dairy, romaine lettuce is a great method to acquire the calcium your body needs for healthy teeth and bones. It also keeps hearts and muscles in good condition. Over 20% of the RDA is present in each head.
4. Folate
Romaine lettuce is a powerful tool for allergy patients. Studies have indicated that those with low levels of the vitamin B-9 are around 30% more prone to suffer from allergies. Romaine is a great source of folate, providing 213% of the RDA in each head. 7. Fiber Almost 10% of the RDA for fiber can be found in two cups of romaine. This implies that eating it will promote regularity and keep you feeling full. The fiber in romaine reduces the risk of heart disease by assisting in the regulation of cholesterol levels.
You should include some romaine hearts on your plate if you want to protect your arteries. Vitamin K, which is believed to lower the risk of atherosclerosis by reducing calcium buildup in the arteries, is abundant in romaine, with each head containing 535% of the RDA.
6. Vitamin A
Eating romaine lettuce provides a substantial amount of vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. Additionally, its antioxidant qualities protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. The RDA for vitamin A is nearly 100% in just two ounces of romaine.
7. Potassium
One-third of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Potassium, a mineral that can lower blood pressure and shield the kidneys, is found in one head of romaine lettuce. The potassium in romaine aids in the digestion of carbohydrates and protein.
8. Manganese
Although manganese isn’t given much credit, research has shown that it helps prevent UV damage to the skin, promotes the creation of collagen, and scavenges harmful free radicals. Over 40% of the recommended daily allowance of Magnesium is found in a head of romaine.
Summary
Because of its high potassium content, romaine lettuce helps support cardiovascular health. Furthermore, the antioxidant vitamins A and C in lettuce may help keep plaque and cholesterol from accumulating in the arteries. Additionally, romaine lettuce contains folate, which may help avoid major heart problems.