is romaine lettuce easier to digest than iceberg
Edie DeSpain, Logan, UtahGo to Recipe When people consume large amounts offolic acidthrough vitamins and synthetically fortified foods, the body cannot break it down and then elevated levels of unmetabolized folic acid remain. UCSD notes that because of the inability to break down fiber, some people can't digest leafy greens, which tend to be rich sources of fiber. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); Romaine lettuce tends to stay fresher with airflow. With so many different types of lettuce to choose from in the grocery store, you may wonder what the best substitute for romaine is when the store is out of it. Known as a nutritious lettuce, romaine is superior to iceberg lettuce, particularly when it comes to vitamin A and vitamin K. Both romaine and iceberg contain many nutrients, but romaine blows the iceberg out of the field for its high vitamin A and K content. Grilling the radicchio before assembling a salad brings out even more of its natural sweetness. Buy romaine lettuce from bigger grocery chains with more accountability and required testing. 10 Types of Lettuce (And Other Leafy Salad Greens) You Should Know, 17 Warm Salads to Round Out Your Fall Meals, 20+ Simple (And Simply Irresistible) Side Dishes From Virginia Willis, 7 Foods That Taste Best in November (Plus Essential Recipes). Known as a nutritious lettuce,romaineis superior toiceberg lettuce, particularly when it comes to vitamin A and vitamin K. Both romaine and iceberg contain many nutrients, but romaine blows the iceberg out of the field for its high vitamin A and K content. Additionally, romaine lettuce seeds and leaves have been found to contain phenolics, which are now being used to create extracts for various purposes, including reducing oxidative stress and promoting sleep. Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, MassachusettsGo to Recipe It smooths the digestive tract. Besides its rich vitamin A and K content, romaine is also a great source of fiber and iron, containing nearly double the amount that iceberg does. low-calorie source of fiber and other nutrients. Overall, romaine has a mild flavor. Use it alongside arugula in this Roasted Beet, Peach, and Goat Cheese Salad, or anywhere you might be tempted to use baby spinach, for a new play on a favorite. They are sweeter, crispier, and lighter in color than the outer leaves, giving them the perfect texture and flavor for a crispy salad. Basically, fiber keeps things moving easier. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. This chart shows the % RDI (recommended dietary intake) daily values. Studies have shown that the chlorophyll pigment in dark leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, may reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, including colon cancer and liver cancers. Sodium helps regulate the water level in the cells, especially in the kidneys. Cassava Flour vs Tapioca Flour: Plus the Best Substitutes, Quinoa vs Oats: Nutrition & Health Benefits, Bulgur Wheat vs Rice: Benefits & Nutrition. Remember to change out paper towels as needed! Romaine hearts are the center leaves of the head of lettuce. Romaine lettuce nutrition is low in calories yet a good source of vitamins A, C, K; potassium; folate; and more. You're probably wondering why part of the food you're eating is not getting digested. You can also start growing your seeds indoors four to six weeks before your last springfrost date. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. The lower the GI of a specific food, the less it should affect blood sugar levels. Toss cup dressing with 7 ounces of romaine. Also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and is commonly used to prevent viral infectious diseases. If the problem persists and is uncomfortable, you should visit your doctor. We serve the dressing over greens we harvest from our gardenthe lime and curry make a fantastic pairing. Romaine seeds grow quickly, within just 10 days of being planted, and will germinate best at 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering there have been a number of romaine lettuce recalls, is romaine lettuce safe to eat now? Overnight Layered Lettuce SaladThis layered salad is a family favorite from a church cookbook I've had for 40 years. When grilling season hits, I grill the chicken as a special treat. I prefer something with a spring mix, red onion, goat cheese, nuts, a few cranberries or pomegranate seeds, with a nice vinaigrette. It also acts as an antioxidant and is important for the health of teeth, bones, soft tissues and skin. Iceberg lettuce helps to digest food. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Sucrose, also known as table sugar, is composed out of glucose and fructose. Taste of Home Test KitchenGo to Recipe Cooked leafy and cruciferous vegetables such as kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and bok choy digest in around 40-50 minutes. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. To combat these illnesses, get folate naturally from whole food sources, including leafy greens like romaine lettuce. Hesperetin is a flavonoid found in a number of citrus fruits. Iceberg lettuce contains a lot of fiber. As a Health Coach and Life Coach, I share tips and tricks on how to eat healthy. Another option? Taste of HomeTarragon Chicken & Romaine SaladThis three-in-one spring salad combines the best natures of romaine, chicken and potato salads, crowned with a touch of crisp bacon. IU (International Units) is the unit of measurement that almost all food labels use. Deficiencies in these antioxidants can lead to a thickening of the cornea, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and possibly even blindness as one ages. It's not as sweet as iceberg, but it's not as "grassy" as spinach. While iceberg and romaine are both forms of lettuce, they can be used in so many different and specific ways. Vitamin A isbeneficial to eye health, helping to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, UtahGo to Recipe Romaine lettuce has a very refreshing and juicy taste. It also contains an adequate amount of folate and iron. The added amount of vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) is a synthetic form of the natural vitamin E that is added to foods to increase their nutritional value. Romaine lettuce is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin K, fiber, iron, and several other vitamins and minerals. What are the easiest greens to digest? Romaine has a slightly higher water content, though, so it may be a little easier to digest, but it really depends on your individual body. Look for the 5.2-ounce Boursin, which has a firmer texture than the spreadable version. Holiday Lettuce SaladLight with a hint of sweetness, this lettuce salad recipe will make everyone excited to eat their fruits and vegetables. The total amount of sugars, including glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, and trehalose. (As someone who owns this bad boy, I truly couldnt recommend it more. Folate supports cell growth. In fact, UCSD notes that it's not unusual for your stool to be green after you eat leafy greens either. You can learn more about coaching with her here. Use your experience to help others in the community make a decision. The taste of romaine lettuce is described as mild by some but deep in taste by others. Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed DressingMy family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. Merrijane Rice, Kaysville, UtahGo to Recipe Privacy policy. According to the Farmers Almanac, its best to plant in the spring starting two weeks after the last frost and again eight weeks before the fall frost. Romaine is nutritionally superior to iceberg. Romaine lettuce nutrition has long been known to ease digestion. Vitamin E Alpha (d-alpha-tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the body's cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, strengthens the immune system and prevents blood clotting. The plant-based diet continues to grow in popularity, and it can be What Is Escarole Lettuce? It's very crisp, and the taste is a bit bitter, though not too much. Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, ArizonaGo to Recipe It helps maintaining healthy bones, skin and vision, as well as a strong immune system. Copper is an essential trace mineral that helps in the formation of collagen and elastin, which are essential for tissue and bone integrity. 3 Reasons Why Cabbage Can Cause Stomach Pain, Keep Salad on the Menu, but Hold the Gas Pain, 3 Ways Too Many Strawberries Can Affect Your Bowels, USDA FoodData Central: Lettuce, Raw, University of California, San Diego: What Color Is Your Poop and Other Pressing Fecal Matters, Journal of Food Science and Technology: Dietary Fibre in Foods: A Review, University of California, San Diego: Come Kale or High Fiber, Mayo Clinic: Undigested Food in Stool: What Does It Mean?, Mayo Clinic: Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet, Columbia University: Last Night's Asparagus in My Stool Cause for Concern?, Digestive Diseases and Sciences: Foods Provoking and Alleviating Symptoms in Gastroparesis: Patient Experiences. Was this helpful? Because romaine has a relatively mild flavor, it tastes great on its own or as a great addition to a variety of other leafy greens, vegetables, and compliments so many other dishes. Valerie Belley, St. Louis, MissouriGo to Recipe Romaine is a very versatile green leafy vegetable. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Wash your hands before and after preparing fruits and vegetables. So boring & lacking color with that iceberg hahaha. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. It stimulates the formation of bone mass and helps regulate estrogen levels. Karla Kueber is a Certified Evidence Based EFT Practioner and Health Coach, with a double Masters Degree in Education. Certain studies have shown that antioxidant beta-carotene, the form of vitamin A found in plants, plays a big role in preventingmacular degeneration, the leading cause of age-related blindness. The water and volume of romaine lettuce makes it filling and may helps shed bloat and excess water. Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body produces from phenylalanine. I like to make this pretty, tasty salad for the holidays or anytime. Both vitamins are responsible for aiding healthy eyesight and skin and play a rolein maintaining strong bones and boosting immunity. One of the biggest downfalls of filling your fridge with lettuce is that, all too often, it seems to go bad before youve had the chance to use it. So, I started eating salads with romaine lettuce instead as an experiment because I had heard lettuce is supposed to help you digest food more easily. Spicy Turkey Lettuce WrapsMy go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. However, romaine tends to have more nutrients than its cousin. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and manage oxidative stress in the body. Watercress pairs wonderfully with sweet fennel in this Fennel and Watercress Salad, but it also stands up to hotter flavors like pepper flakes and hot sauce in this Spicy Watercress Salad. Romaine and lettuce are leafy green vegetables and contain various vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall greater health. Mung Beans vs Lentils: Nutrition & Benefits. Iceberg is about 13 calories per serving while romaine is about 15 calories. However, the crunchier stalks are also edible and nutritious. It has an anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effect and strengthens hair and nail structure. Vitamin K is essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones and helps to reduce the risk of bone fracture. Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral found in the human body, after calcium. Kale and lettuce shine when it comes to vitamins. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is primarily important for maintaining healthy vision. Is iceberg lettuce hard to digest? Be the first. While romaine lettuce is extremely low in calories, carbs, sugar and fat, it offers nutrients and has a water content, which means you can basically eat as much romaine as you want even when trying to lose weight. While typically found in teas, dandelion greens are one of the most unknown types of lettuce. Thai-Style Cobb SaladThis veggie salad is like a mix of Cobb salad and my favorite summer rolls. While iceberg and romaine are both forms of lettuce, they can be used in so many different and specific ways. Supports bone health . Romaine lettuce is also a great vegetable to try juicing, adding nutrients and subtle flavor to your juice or smoothie without it becoming too bitter. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that comes in various forms. Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan Great Southwest flavor! Chopped salads are so simple and such a fantastic way to eat fresh. Keep reading to find out more and which gives you the most bang for your buck in nutritional value. A June 2012 study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology explains that your digestive enzymes cannot digest or absorb dietary fiber, so it passes through your digestive system relatively intact. Both iceberg and romaine should last for 7-10 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Go to Recipe Finally, massage the dressing into the kale for at least 45 seconds, which will help soften it and make it easier to chew and digest. "Lettuce is usually very digestive," says Niket Sonpal, MD, an internist and gastroenterologist and an adjunct assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York. This crispy and crunchy vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin K, an essential nutrient for blood clotting, wound healing and supporting bone health.In fact, research has shown that romaine lettuce contains more minerals important for bone health than other crisphead lettuce varieties, such as iceberg lettuce. When it comes to iceberg, Largeman-Roth recommends a wedge salad. Spinach provides more vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, B6, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc than lettuce. However, seeing undigested lettuce in your stool can make you a little wary of this leafy green. Add dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy, Largeman-Roth says, noting that it makes 1 cups of dressing. Mche, also known as lamb's lettuce or corn salad, is an under-rated green that offers a tender texture and almost nutty flavor. National Library of Medicines list Butter lettuce may be easier for some people to digest because it has a low fiber content; however everyone reacts differently to different fruits and vegetables. Home Recipes Ingredients Vegetables Lettuce. Brussels sprouts are also rich in fiber and vitamin C. In salads, they're best thinly sliced on a mandoline and paired with sweeter flavors. For some people with sensitive digestion or those recovering from digestive issues, raw lettuce may be hard to digest; try blanching them or lightly cooking them to see if this helps you digest them easier. Davis Clevenger, Dexter, OregonGo to Recipe We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Iceberg has a time and a place (who doesn't love a blue cheese wedge?) Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British Columbia Go to Recipe Where iceberg really shines is its water contentone cup provides nearly 70 grams of water, which is nearly its entire weight.. "It's so. Vitamin C also helps build collagen in the skin, which is responsible for building firm, healthy skin and preventing loss in elasticity. Its bitter notes stand up equally well to sweet and piquant flavors, making it the ideal choice in an Asparagus, Orange, and Endive Salad or an Apple-Cranberry Salad with funky blue cheese. Cholesterol is a lipid essential for producing hormones and takes two forms: LDL, or bad cholesterol, and HDL, good cholesterol. The recommended daily dose for adults is approximately 1000mg. How long does it take for romaine lettuce to digest? Romaine lettuce nutrition also supplies vitamin A andvitamin C, two antioxidants that play a role in heart health by oxidizing cholesterol and keeping arteries strong. Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia And, like iceberg, it, too, packs a powerful punch of hydration with 45 grams of water per cup. Tom Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey How to use Romaine Consuming too much fructose can cause high blood pressure. For example, romaine lettuce contains almost twice the amount of potassium found in the same quantity of green cabbage ( 1, 14 ). Is this an emergency? It facilitates the absorption of calcium which is essential for bone health. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Romaine can usually be found year-round in most markets and during the spring and summer months in the Northern regions where its cooler. Lettuce Recipes You Can Get Excited About. Is romaine lettuce easier to digest? Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, FloridaGo to Recipe Whats more, according to Largeman-Roth, romaine comes in two main formsas head or as hearts. I like to dress it with my vegan Caesar dressing, she says, sharing the recipe, below. Setting SMART Nutrition Goals in 2022 with Examples. Save a lot of prep time and buy peeled, deveined shrimp and pre-washed lettuce. When its salad time, remove any damaged or dry outer leaves, she says, noting to then chop, slice, or shred it as you please. 0.36g. . 0.91g. The biggest difference between the two is their nutritional content. Warm Rice & Pintos SaladDuring my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It has antioxidant properties and is currently being used in cancer research, as it is thought to reduce the risk of various cancers. Bryan Braack, Eldridge, IowaGo to Recipe Versus uses cookies to improve your experience on the site. The peas, bacon and cheese are such a fun and springy combo. A perennial favorite for Caesar Salad and Cobb Salad, romaine also plays well with bacon in this BLT Salad with Basil Mayo Dressing. Histidine, an essential amino acid, helps to maintain myelin sheaths, which is mainly needed to protect nerve cells, helps to remove heavy metals from the system, to promote lung health, lower blood pressure and protect the body from radiation damage. Sucrose is rich in calories, but doesnt have a high nutritional value. However, too much fiber makes things runny. The darker green leaves provide the most nutritional value. Myricetin is a bioflavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as in red wine. I made my own version at home so I can share it with my family and eat it whenever I want. Romaine lettuce has crisp, crunchy leaves. Lee Reese, Rolla, MissouriGo to Recipe Heather Senger, Madison, WisconsinGo to Recipe Chicken Tostada SaladIf I don't have any tostada shells on hand for this speedy salad, I just heat taco shells, break them in half and lay them flat on the plates. Jonnah Burks, Brighton, MissouriGo to Recipe Spinach is healthier than lettuce due to its higher percentage of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. 2. A low-calorie source of fiber and other nutrients, lettuce is an integral part of salads and many other dishes. Enjoy it with strawberries, almonds, and poppy seeds in this Strawberry Spinach Salad, or pair it with bacon and eggs for a heartier Wilted Spinach Salad. Beta-cryptoxanthin is an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A1 (retinol) when ingested. But its smart to mix it up and get a variety of produce in our diets instead of having just one typeeat the rainbow!, The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. The leaves should also have a milky fluid, which gives the romaine the typically fine-bitter herb taste. Research tells us that romaine lettuce nutrition is actually quite impressive due to its high level of antioxidants and other crucial vitamins and minerals including vitamin A and C, folate, vitamin K, and more. Iceberg lettuce has a very crunchy texture, making it great for food prepping and leftovers. Try making one of these romaine lettuce recipes to add it to your diet more often: Romaine is a cool-weather crop that can be grown in both the spring and fall. The presence of undigested vegetables in stool is not uncommon. It's a member of the brassicaceae family, with cousins like arugula, horseradish, and wasabi, so it boasts a peppery flavor. For a different spin, use raspberries or peaches instead of strawberries. Iceberg lettuce leaves are tightly packed together and have high water content. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that the body uses to make proteins, thyroid hormones, epinephrine, dopamine and norepinephrine, three essential neurotransmitters. The rich supply of vitamin A, vitamin C, and carotenoids like zeaxanthin found in romaine lettuce nutrition may help protect against eye disorders. Youll be able to enjoy the perfectly chopped goodness of a store-bought salad without having to pay extra for the prep. Bitter Belgian endive isn't just low in calories; it's also high in flavonoid kaempferol, which some studies have shown may inhibit cancer, not to mention potassium, folate, and fiber. Is romaine lettuce safe to eat now? Im so happy you are here! Up Next: What's the Difference Between Iceberg Lettuce and Romaine? The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. Salad greens are usually highly sprayed since they grow close to the ground and are susceptible for bugs and rodents. I grew up with iceberg lettuce, but Ive slowly become a romaine lettuce gal. Turkey Salad on Wheat BreadWhen one of my favorite lunch spots closed, this recipe let me hold on to more than just good memories. Help us by suggesting a value. Its so refreshing, she says. Alternate names/varieties: Butter lettuce, Boston, bibb (limestone), Mignonette, Buttercrunch lettuce. Last medically reviewed on July 30, 2021. If you don't eat a lot of fiber, you might have a hard time digesting the fiber in lettuce. The leafier upperpartof the leaves, which has a deep green color, tends to be the most nutrient-dense. Cathy Pawlowski, Naperville, IllinoisGo to Recipe The amount of food energy in kilocalories (kcal) per 100g. E, A, K, B1, B2, B5, B6, H, PP, folic and ascorbic acids, beta-carotene and choline, as well as minerals such as selenium, magnesium, iron, sodium, manganese, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and calcium. And because it retains its shape and folds easily without breaking, it makes a great "wrap" substitute. It has high water content, making it juicy with a mild and sweet flavor. Foods with high water content help you stay hydrated. It also supports tissue formation and is necessary for the body to produce glutathione to remove toxins from the liver. Romaine lettuce nutrition may help toget rid of acnesince it has a low score on the glycemic index whereas a diet filled with foods high on the glycemic index, including a lot of sugar, has been shown to be related to acne flare-ups. While many people think that they are interchangeable and both are important for ahealthy pregnancy, folate is the preferred source naturally found in foods. The hearty taste and crunch make all my Caesar salads unforgettable. In general, the darker the leafy green vegetable is, the more vitamin and mineral content it will have. It also boasts three times as much vitamin C as lettuce. That is crazy because I normally have diarrhea at least 2-3 days a week at a minimum. Thus it allows for smooth movement of bowels and helps to cure constipation and acid reflux. While it has less than a gram of protein, Largeman-Roth says that its packed with almost an entire gram of fiber, as well as 15 milligrams of calcium, 116 milligrams of potassium, 64 micrograms of folate, and 2,460 micrograms of beta-carotene. Does Iceberg Lettuce Actually Have Nutritional Value? When it comes to making a salad, if youre anything like me, you want to maximize the nutritional benefits of those yummy salad greens. 30-40 minutes Vegetables high in water such as lettuce, celery, watercress, asparagus, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and radishes digest in 30-40 minutes. You might think of Brussels sprouts as a vegetable best served cooked, but these little crucifers are wonderful in salads too. Salads don't have to be ho-hum, the secret is to build them with good greens. The salmon How long does lettuce take to digest? Your body does not makepowerful vitamin Con its own naturally and relies onfoods high in vitamin C. The body also does not store vitamin C, so it is important that you get this essential vitamin frequently from whole food sources, including leafy greens like romaine lettuce. Help us by suggesting a value. Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the main source of energy. Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado Salads can be just as flavorful and enticing as any other dish on your table, and it all starts with the greens. Sick and tired of boring salads? And because it retains its shape and folds easily without breaking, it makes a great wrap substitute. Although romaine and iceberg have similar tastes, especially when comparing them to other leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, they still have their differences. Nutritional value for 100 grams of romaine lettuce vs 100 grams of iceberg lettuce. It stimulates protein synthesis, protecting muscles from stress and is important for regulating blood sugar and stimulating insulin release, which is important for building muscles. Taste of HomeWedge Salad with Blue Cheese DressingA wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. I love to make enormous salads for dinner. A small study published in the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences in April 2015 found that lettuce is one of the foods that could aggravate the condition. Columbia University explains that certain conditions like milk or soy intolerance could cause malabsorption, where your body is unable to absorb nutrition from food, in which case you may have to seek treatment. According to Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, nutrition expert and author of The Smoothie Plan and Eating in Color, one cup of shredded iceberg lettuce has 10 calories and less than a gram of protein, as well as fiber. Research shows that people who consume vitamin A and vitamin C from a healthy diet or supplementation are less likely to suffer eye damage as they age. November 6, 2022. Quick Nicoise SaladLike the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Foods can be low, medium, or high-glycemic foods and are ranked on a scale of 0100. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. While iron is vital for red blood cells. Jenn Smith, East Providence, Rhode Island Go to Recipe Two of the most common, versatile, and popular leafy greens are romaine and iceberg lettuce. Taste of HomeBacon Chicken Chopped SaladHere's one of many reasons we love tomato season. Seeds should be planted about a half-inch deep, with 12 to 15 inches between each row. Sound familiar? Glycitein is an antioxidant and acts as a weak estrogen. Trisha Kruse, Eagle, IdahoGo to Recipe To store iceberg lettuce, grab some damp paper towels and a plastic bag. Crisp romaine lettuce is naturally high in minerals like calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium. (Thats also how it got its name!). Sucrose is rich in calories, but doesn't have a high nutritional value. It is very versatile lettuce, with many culinary uses from salads to garnishes for sandwiches to shredded for snacks. Green leaf lettuce and red leaf lettuce are great options too. Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in synthesizing other proteins, forming cartilage tissues, dissolving fat and reducing fat in the liver. There is actually a difference between folate, the natural form of multiple B vitamins, and folic acid in terms of health benefits. But for healthy salads, bowls and even taco night, pick up romaine! It is easily found in grocery stores, sold as hearts or heads of romaine.