Vegetable with twice the calcium of milk: Eating it raw or cooked helps strengthen bones

Fragrant lettuce – A rustic vegetable with outstanding nutritional value

Fragrant lettuce, belonging to the lettuce family, is an easy-to-grow, fast-growing vegetable that is very common in Vietnam. The plant features a cylindrical stem branched at the top, and alternate, soft, elongated, thin leaves with slightly serrated margins and tapered tips, creating an easily recognizable appearance.

Not only a familiar culinary herb, fragrant lettuce is also notable for its high nutritional value. This vegetable is rich in vitamins A, B1, and B2, minerals like calcium and iron, and protein—particularly beneficial for children, the elderly, and perimenopausal women. Eating fragrant lettuce raw is the best way to fully absorb its nutrients.

With its refreshing taste and gentle aroma, celtuce (aromatic lettuce) is used flexibly in many dishes such as salads, fresh greens, sandwiches, soups, or served with hot pot.

With its refreshing taste and gentle aroma, celtuce (aromatic lettuce) is used flexibly in many dishes such as salads, fresh greens, sandwiches, soups, or served with hot pot.

Outstanding health benefits of celtuce

Fragrant lettuce is not only a culinary herb but also considered a "superfood" thanks to its remarkable benefits:

  • Cooling body heat and supporting weight loss: At only about 15 calories/100g, it helps cool the body and is ideal for dieters or hot summer days.

  • Good for the eyes, prevents degeneration: Contains zeaxanthin, an active compound that protects the retina and reduces the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

  • Beautifying skin, brightening eyes: The rich content of vitamin A and beta-carotene helps nourish smooth skin and improve eyesight.

  • Enhancing fertility: Folate and vitamin C support fetal protection, boost immunity, and prevent birth defects.

  • Good for bone health: High vitamin K content helps boost calcium accumulation, prevent osteoporosis, and enhance musculoskeletal health.

With its "impressive" nutritional profile, celtuce deserves to be a regular staple in family meals, helping to enhance overall health from within.