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Although lettuce primarily comprises water, thus making it very low in calories, it contains a lot of nutrients. The majority of varieties contain folic acid, Vitamin C as well as Vitamin B1, B2 and B6. In terms of minerals it is above all potassium, phosphorus and magnesium which are to be found in lettuce. The fact that it contains very little sodium and lots of potassium is extremely positive, as it then removes excess water from the body. Generally (dark) green lettuces are richer in nutrients than light-coloured or red varieties (see also table).
Lettuces can, however, have a relatively high nitrate content. This fluctuates, and depends on the amount of nitrogen in the soil, the type and amount of fertilizer, and the light conditions. If the plants do not get enough sun, for instance, they store the nitrate. For this reason, winter lettuce and plants from greenhouses have the highest nitrate levels. Nitrate is to be found above all in the stems, large leaf panicles and the outer leaves. These should be removed before the lettuce is eaten.
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