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Green Salad
Some types of lettuce and other salad greens
contain high amounts of beta-carotene, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron and
potassium, but the amounts vary considerably from one variety to another. In
general, those with dark green or other deeply coloured leaves have more
beta-carotene and vitamin C than the paler varieties. Romaine and Boston
lettuces, for example, have three times as much vitamin C and much more
beta-carotene than iceberg lettuce. Deeply colored lettuces and greens are
also high in bioflavonoid, plant pigments known to work with vitamin C and
other antioxidants to prevent cancer-causing cell damage. |
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The health benefits of salad greens may range
from improved digestion to better eyesight. The nutrients they provide
include potassium, a cardio protective mineral, and fructooligosaccharieds
and insulin, two indigestible carbohydrates thought to promote the growth of
beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. The pigment, beta carotene,
which may help prevent acne, cancer, and vision loss, is abundant in salad
watercress, escarole, chicory, and dandelion greens. Large amounts of folate,
which helps to protect against carnelian greens and watercress are very good
sources of vitamin C, thought to be helpful for immunity and cardiovascular
health. |
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