On our table, such greens as lettuce leaves are quite rare. Many of you probably do not even consider lettuce as a normal product and assume that it is consumed exclusively by individuals who are striving to achieve their ideal weight or are unwavering vegetarians. And, of course, you can’t feed your spouse with lettuce leaves. Only now, ironic statements in this case are not entirely appropriate, since such a low-calorie food product has many advantages over numerous familiar dishes, given all its useful qualities. Even the citizens of the ancient Roman state ate lettuce leaves. But the name comes from the Latin word HerbaSalata, which translates as “salt grass”. Previously, they didn’t bother with salad for a long time, the leaves of this plant were simply torn into large pieces, after which they were poured with olive oil and salted. And in the Middle Ages, salad was used as a side dish. What are the benefits of lettuce and herbs? In terms of the amount of vitamin C and carotene that can be contained, lettuce leaves are significantly superior to many garden fruits and fruits. I probably don’t know everything about this, so they don’t take this plant seriously. For example, dill and parsley are enriched with carotene, its content in these products in 100 grams of greens is approximately 1.5 milligrams. But in tomatoes and carrots, its content is much less, although these garden fruits are known sources of carotene. Lettuce and greens contain a significant amount of carotenoids, which help to maintain your vision, are useful for the healthy condition of the skin and mucous membranes, and prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease. Rich in vitamins and minerals. 100 grams of lettuce contains between ten and fifty milligrams of vitamin C, and this is actually the same as in lemons – the generally recognized leaders in containing this vitamin. Therefore, always eat greens on a summer diet. And in addition, such a useful plant contains folic acid, minerals and vitamins of group B. Folic acid is useful for people of any age. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the reproductive function of female and male representatives. In addition, vitamin K, which fits in sufficient quantities in lettuce leaves, takes part in the regulation of the blood clotting process. A lot of minerals are found in all green leaves. This is sodium, and iodine, and copper, and phosphorus, and zinc, and potassium, and iron. How to store and consume. Lettuce leaves should be stored in the refrigerator, namely in the vegetable compartment. Lettuce during storage should be wrapped in a plastic or paper bag, otherwise it will soon become dry and withered. Lettuce leaves need to be dried a little before you put them in the refrigerator for storage. Leaves in a wet form, being in a bag, will wither faster. If you serve lettuce leaves on the table, you do not need to cut them, large ones can be torn with your own hands, but small ones are easy to disassemble. Do not make a salad in advance, pour oil and add salt to it right before consumption. Salad is used not only as a decoration, it also serves as a side dish and addition to meat and fish products, and as an independent product. It would be nice to combine lettuce leaves with lemon juice or garlic. In this case, it is permissible not to add them. Types of lettuce. There are more than a hundred types of salads, but they are all divided into head and leaf: Arugula is a leaf lettuce with pronounced spicy taste. This species has been known since ancient times, more specifically, more than two millennia ago. Arugula is characterized by the highest content of vitamin C and carotenoids. Iceberg is the most famous type of lettuce, which acquired this name due to its storage during the delivery period, and lettuce leaves were sprinkled with ice at that time. Iceberg leaves can be compared to fresh cabbage because they are just as crunchy. Only now this product tastes much more tender and tastier. It holds a significant amount of water. In addition, crispy lettuce also includes Romaine leaves, which are enriched with sodium, red Radicchio – it contains a considerable amount of iron and calcium, Chinese cabbage – head lettuce. Oakleaf lettuce leaves or bright Korn with small leaves are often placed on the festive table, as they look very impressive. Frise curly or Lollo-rosso greenish-red usually used to serve with fish or meat dishes. Secrets of cooking salads for weight loss and recipes Folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin K are found in green leaves. Green salad is a very useful product, because it is an excellent source of vitamins B6, B2, B1, and in addition contains beta-carotene, which increases immunity and helps in the fight against numerous life-threatening diseases. A small amount of dressing is needed precisely in order to ensure that it has the opportunity to assimilate. It is preferable to add natural cold-pressed oils: linseed, olive, sunflower, corn. Salads made from greens not only add flavor and aroma to dishes, but also assist in the assimilation of other most useful components from the main dish. For example, meat is digested much faster if a salad with green leaves and garden fruits is used as a side dish. Weightlessness salad recipe Ingredients: Iceberg lettuce (Korn, Romano or other leaf lettuce) – one tablespoon of pine nuts – ten cherry tomatoes. For dressing: ground pepper – olive oil – oregano – balsamic vinegar – salt according to taste. Cooking technology: tear lettuce leaves with your hands, then add nuts and tomatoes as a whole. Sauce: mix oil, ground pepper, oregano, salt and a little balsamic vinegar and season your salad with it. “Green” salad for weight loss. Take two or three heads of lettuce, fresh cucumber, a couple of radishes, dill, green onions and parsley, one tablespoon of mayonnaise. Lettuce leaves should be cut, placed on a plate, cucumber and radish cut in the form of circles should be placed on the upper side, salted according to taste, poured with mayonnaise, sprinkled with finely chopped herbs. Compared with other vegetable salads for weight loss, this recipe is very low in calories, despite the addition of mayonnaise to it.