Lettuce doesn't always get the respect it deserves. Often dismissed as "just water," it's easy to overlook in favor of darker leafy greens like kale or spinach. But registered dietitians say that's a mistake.
While lettuce is naturally high in water, it also delivers fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that can support heart, gut, bone, and eye health, all for very few calories. And because different varieties offer different nutrients, rotating among them can help you get an even broader range of health benefits.
Is Lettuce Really "Just Water"?
Not exactly. Most lettuce is about 94 to 96 percent water, but that doesn't make it nutritionally empty. In fact, its high water content is one of its strengths. "Even if it was 'just water,' that's still a benefit!" says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN. "As temperatures rise, it's important to hydrate with food, not just water and other beverages."
Melissa Rifkin, MS, RD, CDN, agrees that calling lettuce "just water" is an oversimplification, and that the high water content is actually a benefit. "It contributes to hydration while providing nutrients for very few calories," she says.
Read Full Article Here
