Iceberg lettuce is also known as crisphead which includes the varieties such as Imperial, Great Lakes, Western and Vanguard. This is the only variety of lettuce that do not have a red variety. It is available year round in California. Iceberg lettuce has firm and tight head with crisp and pale green leaves. Heads are tightly compacted and leaves usually light green to white have cool moisture and mild flavor. It is a perfect base for heavy and creamy dressings. The round and dense shape helps it to sustain trip to the market in right condition.

Health Benefits of Iceberg Lettuce

1. Lose weight

Iceberg lettuce has high content of water and low calories that helps to promote weight loss.

2. Health improvement

The lettuce offers high content of Vitamin A, a crucial vitamin for healthy eyes and also growth or development of bones. Also it boosts immune system.

3. Prevent birth defects

Iceberg lettuce contains desirable amounts of folate, must for women during pregnancy in order to avoid the chances of birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida. Also lowers the chances of neural tube defects.

4. Blood clots

Vitamin K found in Iceberg lettuce enables the production of protein which is required for blood clotting.

5. Combat diseases

Folate in Iceberg lettuce helps to prevent health ailments that include depression, folate deficiency and chronic health problems.

6. Benefits heart

Potassium detected in iceberg lettuce maintains the blood pressure as well as heart rate that overall maintains heart health. It provides the required nutrients for hardening arteries and dietary fiber has a role in regulating the flow of blood to the heart.

7. Boost immune system

Iceberg lettuce encompasses fundamental minerals: magnesium, manganese, iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus that bolster body’s immunity. It halts the activities of free radicals and forbids viral infections and other diseases.

8. Healthy body

Iceberg lettuce accommodates Vitamin A and its activities are associated with stronger bones, healthy eyes and intensify immune system.

9. Prevention of anemia

Minerals like iron are involved in the formation of red blood cells. It is accountable for delivering oxygen to various parts of the body. The favorable presence of red blood cells in the body helps to prevent anemia.

10. Supports digestion

It assists food digestion in the body with disintegration of heavy carbohydrates and proteins. It enables proper functioning of stomach. It smoothen the bowel movements and cures constipation as well as acid reflux.

11. Sleep quality

Intake of Iceberg lettuce relaxes eyes and body and provides sound sleep. Insomnia patients could be benefited with an addition of iceberg lettuce to the diet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgGvtWSduEY

How to select

Select a lettuce with firm head with no discoloration areas or slime. Store it in a chilled section in refrigerator to prevent it from wilt and becoming bitter.

Culinary uses

• Make a salad by drizzling lemon juice and olive oil to iceberg lettuce. This lettuce makes a perfect base for salads.
• As a meal, serve steamed lettuce with brown rice and black eyed peas.
• Use steamed lettuce as a filling in sushi rolls.
• Saute iceberg lettuce with garlic, tofu and crushed chili peppers.
• Use it in burgers and sandwiches.
• Add it to stir fries and soups to enhance the flavor.
• Mix it with other greens, grilled chicken, green grapes and light raspberry vinaigrette.
• Add it to salads and spring rolls.
• Use it with green beans, garden peas and seafood such as shrimp and prawns.

Side effects

• Made up of water, iceberg lettuce is harmful only when consumed in excess.
• As it contains beta-carotene, its excessive consumption results in carotenodermia.
• Also iceberg lettuce has high content of pesticides which are found to be harmful for the health.

References:

https://www.heirloomgardener.com/plant-profiles/edible/the-history-of-lettuce-zm0z18szphe

https://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-iceberg-lettuce-499i

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/iceberg-lettuce#takeaway

https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-iceberg-lettuce-and-its-side-effects

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/iceberg-lettuce.html

https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-iceberg-lettuce-and-its-side-effects

http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/Sorting/Lactuca.html

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=36607#null

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