The team found the highest amounts of cadmium and lead in romaine lettuce, among other vegetables. These heavy metals may then transfer to the body of the person who eats them, which could pose a health risk.Īlso, a 2016 study measured levels of heavy metals - including lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury - in 5,785 vegetables grown in China. One study, from 2013, found that romaine lettuce can pull heavy metals from the soil. Heavy metalsĪnother health concern is the absorption of heavy metals from the soil. coli outbreak in 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that a key reason for this was the watering of plants using contaminated water. Some suggest that improper farming practices may increase the risk of romaine lettuce being contaminated with bacteria, such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli.įollowing an E.
Romaine lettuce can be a healthful part of a varied diet, but some people have expressed concern that salad greens may carry toxins.įor example, contamination can occur if farmers grow their produce in contaminated soil or irrigate it with contaminated water. The NIH state that folate that occurs naturally in food may help decrease the risk of several forms of cancer. The antioxidants and folate within romaine lettuce might help protect the body from cancer. Learn more about age-related macular degeneration here. This may make it a good option for people wishing to boost eye health. Many plants, including romaine lettuce, provide beta-carotene. This is one of the leading causes of vision loss due to aging. The vitamin A in romaine lettuce might help prevent eye conditions such as cataracts as people get older.Īlso, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), beta-carotene may help prevent a condition called macular degeneration. How much salt should we eat? Find out here. Romaine lettuce provides both sodium and potassium in healthful proportions.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 recommend that adults consume around 4,700 mg of potassium and no more than 2,300 mg of sodium each day. Experts recommend consuming more potassium than sodium, as too much sodium can give rise to heart problems. The body needs both sodium and potassium to maintain healthy levels of bodily fluids and circulating blood. One review in the BMJ concludes that higher levels of potassium might help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Potassium helps muscles such as the heart contract regularly. Romaine lettuce is also rich in the heart-healthy mineral potassium. Potassium, sodium, and the cardiovascular system What other foods provide antioxidants? Find out here. It also contains some fiber, which plays a key role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Romaine lettuce is a good source of folate, which can help keep this chemical in check. Homocysteine may contribute to heart conditions. It does this by breaking down the chemical homocysteine so that the body can remove it.Ī 2015 review suggests that people with a folate deficiency face a higher risk of having too much homocysteine in the blood. The folate in romaine lettuce may also help prevent serious heart complications.
In addition, the antioxidant vitamins A and C in the lettuce may help prevent cholesterol from building up and forming plaque in the arteries. The high levels of potassium within romaine lettuce can help maintain cardiovascular health. Learn more about the benefits and sources of antioxidants here. The antioxidant content of romaine lettuce may help support a person’s immune system and protect against various health concerns.
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Antioxidants in foods appear to boost the body’s ability to do this.Įxamples of conditions in which free radicals may play a role include: The body can eliminate free radicals naturally, but it may have difficulty eliminating all of them. Cell damage can result, and this can lead to health problems. However, if too many free radicals build up in the body, it can cause a condition known as oxidative stress. Environmental exposures also cause the body to take in free radicals. The body naturally produces unstable molecules called free radicals during metabolism. These play a key role in balancing and maintaining many systems in the body. Romaine lettuce is a good source of vitamins C and A, which are antioxidants. Share on Pinterest Romaine lettuce is an excellent source of antioxidants.
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