Lamb’s lettuce (Valerianella locusta) is not a very popular vegetable, but it has been part of the European diet for centuries. From taste to nutritional profile, lamb’s lettuce has secrets that might surprise you. This leafy green has a surprisingly complex nutritional profile and may offer powerful health benefits – but most people don’t know about these hidden gems! In this article, we’ll explore 7 little-known facts about this nutrient-dense vegetable so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next healthy snack or ingredient for your favorite recipes.
Lamb’s lettuce is rich in nutrients.
Lamb’s lettuce has recently gained popularity as a superfood due to its high levels of vitamins A, C, and B6. As well as minerals such as potassium, iron and manganese, all essential for the maintenance of good health and well-being.
Lamb’s lettuce is versatile.
Its green leaves are added to soups and salads or lightly steamed or sautéed as a side dish, often mixed with other vegetables such as onions, garlic or peppers for added flavor. Lamb’s lettuce is also sometimes used in express recipes such as sandwiches and omelettes for complementary nutrition to eggs. As it can also be juiced to make smoothies containing important vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
Lamb’s lettuce has antioxidant properties.
The real asset of lamb’s lettuce is its high antioxidant content. These include carotenoids like lutein and beta-carotene which protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Likewise, it contains several phenolic compounds with similar beneficial effects, minerals such as zinc and copper that enhance the fight against oxidative stress. As well as certain omega fatty acids which support the health of the immune system. Offering so many protective elements in one simple food, it’s no wonder this green salad is becoming more popular every day.
Lamb’s lettuce aids digestion.
This small green plant is known for its high content of enzymes that help break down proteins in the body, which helps improve digestion, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for the digestive system. Lamb’s lettuce also provides plenty of dietary fiber that can help eliminate toxins from the body. Eating lamb’s lettuce fresh or cooked in soups or stews is an easy way to incorporate this impressive vegetable into your diet and reap the benefits it has to offer for your overall digestion.
Lamb’s lettuce is low in calories.
In addition to being extremely nutritious, the lamb’s lettuce is also very low in calories with only 16.8 kcal per 100 g, which is perfect for people on a low calorie diet or who want to maintain their ideal weight. This makes it one of those versatile ingredients that can easily fit into almost any lifestyle.
Lamb’s lettuce promotes cardiovascular health.
Lamb’s lettuce is a great support for cardiovascular health, as it contains high amounts of essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. Studies have shown that these two nutrients can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In addition, lamb’s lettuce can also lower overall cholesterol levels by lowering bad cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol levels. It also helps regulate blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties that can even help relieve symptoms associated with hypertension. All of this leads to an overall better level of cardiovascular health without the need for expensive drugs or therapies.
Lamb’s lettuce is rich in iron.
As lamb’s lettuce contains an unusually high amount of iron (2mg per 100g) compared to other leafy green vegetables, just one serving per day is enough to significantly increase the level of this essential mineral in the diet. The best way to ensure that your mash is providing you with substantial amounts of iron is to purchase organic varieties from websites or local markets.
In addition, it is important to combine it with other sources of vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, for maximum absorption by the body. You should also avoid overcooking lamb’s lettuce when preparing meals. Boiling or steaming it quickly helps preserve the nutrients while retaining its crunchy texture.