Lettuce Leafy Green
(and several other varieties)
Health and Nutritional Benefits
Lettuce is a moderately good source of vitamin A and C, antioxidants that offer protection against some forms of cancer especially respiratory systems and intestinal tract, among other benefits. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps maintain bowel health, and potassium, which provides relief from high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disorders. Vitamins and minerals are concentrated in the delicate leaf portion of the lettuce while the dietary fiber it provides is in its spine and ribs.
One cup raw leaf lettuce, chopped contains the following nutrients:
| Vitamin A | 1456 IU | 29.12% |
| Vitamin C | 13.44 IU | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5.2% |
| Potassium | 162.4 mg | 4.6% |
| Calcium | 20.16 mg | 2% |
| Protein | 1 gram | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 1.34 grams | 0.45% |
| Calories | 9 | <1% |
Growing lettuce is a rewarding experience when done with reasonable care. It offers growers fulfillment and productive and delicious reward at harvest time when considering the fairly short growing period cycles.