Calories in Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is an elongated type of lettuce that bears sturdy and crisp leaves. Also known as cos lettuce, the foliage of this species has a remarkably firm, whitish colored mid rib. The leaves are randomly chopped in larger pieces and use in salads. Apart from salads, romaine lettuce is also added in many cuisines of the world, especially in the Middle Eastern recipes. Since, many people are conscious about their diet, calories in romaine lettuce and other lettuce types are studied in detail. More information on romaine lettuce nutrition, calories and benefits discussed in the coming paragraphs.
Calories and Nutrition
Romaine lettuce is available throughout the year. So, you can enjoy this green vegetable anytime, irrespective of the season. Being tolerant to heat (to some extent), you can store it for a longer period in cool and dry places. Taste wise, the rib portion of older lettuce is slightly bitter. Hence, you can exclude this leaf part in cooking if you are not fond of bitter taste. When you cut the leaves, a milky liquid is exuded which is responsible for their typical bitter favor. Refer to the following points for better understanding about the calorie count and nutrients provided by romaine lettuce.
Calories
As expected, the total romaine lettuce calories are relatively low. Serving 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce (about 47 g) yields 20 calories. For a larger serving of 6 leaves (approximately 85 g), the total calories contributed are 20. The plus point with romaine lettuce is that there is no saturated fat, no cholesterol, no sodium and moderate amount of carbohydrates. Considering this, it is listed as one of the healthiest vegetables in the food data. So, you can incorporate romaine lettuce, even if you are watching your calorie intake.
Nutrition Facts
Similar to other green leafy vegetables, romaine lettuce contains high percentage of antioxidant molecules. Researches done on romaine lettuce nutritional value have shown that it is a rich source of dietary fiber, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Minerals found in romaine lettuce are iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium. The main concern with this leafy vegetable is high sugar content. Other than this, romaine lettuce is the perfect filling, nutritious food item for ensuring good health.
Health Benefits
Romaine lettuce is beneficial for proper functioning of the heart and digestive system. It aids in lowering cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure and also, in losing weight. As there is presence of antioxidants in large amounts, romaine lettuce is shown to have anticancer properties. To be more precise, consuming this green vegetable helps in combating the dangerous effects of free radicals, which the body produces as a part of the normal metabolic processes. It is included in the list of foods effective for combating cancer.
As you already know romaine lettuce calories, nutrition and health benefits, do not feel hesitant in adding this healthy vegetable to your diet plan. A major worrying issue with romaine lettuce is possibility of getting contaminated with E. coli bacteria and pesticide residues. Nevertheless, selecting fresh lettuce and indulging in thorough rinsing of the leaves before consuming them as salads or other raw forms, will surely minimize the risk of microbial contamination. Thus, follow proper food safety tips and reap the several health benefits provided by romaine lettuce. Hope this information on calories in romaine lettuce is helpful to you.
