1. Name: Chardonnay Esson and Milagro Date: May, 2016 Class#6D Thesis Statement: Many people do not know that including lettuce in the diet will improve overall nutrition, lead to weight loss and protect us against some forms of cancers.. Audience: This presentation was prepared for Middle School Staff, Students & their families

2.  Based on my research: 1. five persons said it tastes like nothing. 2. Three persons said they do not see the purpose of eating it. 3 Two persons said it is just “bush.” A SURVEY CONDUCTED WITH TEN PERSONS (ADULTS) - CONCLUDED THAT THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO DO NOT LIKE LETTUCE AND DO NOT SEE THE BENEFITS OF EATING LETTUCE. This presentation will explore how eating lettuce improves the health of human beings. Let us go way back.

3. The History of the Lettuce The oldest known vegetable is the lettuce. Lettuce is a member of the daisy and thistle family and became known as a water plant for its refreshing properties. The Greeks, Romans and Persians all enjoyed the lettuce. The lettuce was thought to cure ailments, induce sleep, enhance the appetite and relax the alimentary canal. Christopher Columbus introduced the lettuce in “America” in 1492.

4. Lettuce is a nutrient packed vegetable that leads to an improvement in our overall health. Lettuce has: less sugars and sodium, twice the protein, twice the calcium, three times the vitamin K four times the iron and eight times the vitamin C It has seventeen times the vitamin A (Nutritional data originally from USDA SR-21)

5. The nutritional value of lettuce varies with the variety. Red and green leaf lettuce are more nutritional than iceberg lettuce. Romaine lettuce has the most nutrition of the five types of lettuces with Iceberg(Crisphead) being the lowest nutritional lettuce. Lettuce provides some carbohydrates. Its most important nutrients are potassium, iodine thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, fiber, iron, copper and folic acid. Lettuce, except iceberg, is also a moderately good source of calcium, iron and copper. while vitamins and minerals that are concentrated in the delicate leaf portion.

6. Lettuce is packed with nutrients! Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene Lettuce’s vitamin C and beta-carotene work together to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. This prevents the build up of plaque. Our bodies convert to Vitamin A - essential for growth and cell development, vision and looking after our immune system. The darker green the lettuce is, the more beta carotene it has. Omega-3 Fatty acids Lettuce has a two to one ratio of omega-3 to omega- The fat content in lettuce is not significant! Complete Protein Lettuce has 20% protein and can be increased with balancing proteins.

7. Why should we eat lettuce? It’s good for you too – just a cup of salad greens equals one serving of the five daily portions of fruit and vegetables recommended by the Food Standards Agency.

8. Lettuce has only 12 calories for one shredded cup. Calories 9 Dietary Fiber 1.3 Protein 1 gram Carbohydrates 1.34 grams Vitamin A 1456 IU Vitamin C 13.44 Calcium 20.16 Iron 0.62 Potassium 162.4 mg NUTRITION FACTS

9. The spine and ribs provide dietary fiber and cellulose. Fiber improves your digestion aids in constipation. Improving your digestion is a good thing for losing weight, and it is essential for long term weight control. Fiber also helps remove bile salts from the body. When the body replaces these salts it breaks down cholesterol to do so. This is why lettuce is also good for your heart! LETTUCE HELPS US TO REDUCE AND MAINTAIN A DESIRED WEIGHT.

10. Lettuce has low glycemic index Lettuce has an average glycemic index of 15, but because it has so few calories, its glycemic load is considered zero. Foods with low glycemic indexes are great for anyone watching their blood sugars for medical reasons, or for weight management. Helps with Insomnia The white fluid in lettuce leaves is called lactucarium. This has relaxing and sleep inducing properties. Simply eat a few leaves or drink some lettuce juice to prevent over eating in the nights. Lettuce is Alkaline Forming The minerals in lettuce help remove toxins and keep your acid/alkaline balance in order. Once your body is balanced; there are a host of benefits including greater energy to increase your metabolism, promote clearer thinking, deep restful sleep, and youthful skin.

11. LETTUCE HAS PHYTOCHEMICALS THAT PROTECTS US AGAINST SOME FORMS OF CANCERS. ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CANCER INSTITUTE AND THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, FOODS RICH IN VITAMIN A AND C (ANTIOXIDANTS) OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST SOME FORMS OF CANCER. ALONG WITH OTHER PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANTS REDUCE THE RISK OF CANCER OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND INTESTINAL TRACT.

12. Recipes with the lettuce Perfect Vegetable JuicePerfect Vegetable Juice: Juicing is the perfect food for those with poor digestion, significant health challenges and do not like to eat vegetables. Green Raspberry Smoothie/Pudding: Doubles as a healthy smoothie or a tasty dessert. Make a sandwich wrap Green Nori Salad: Enjoy the benefits of lettuce plus the nutritional punch from sea vegetables. Alkalizing Mixed Green Salad: This is your basic wonderful salad with lots of tastes and textures. Green Raspberry Smoothie/Pudding Green Nori Salad Alkalizing Mixed Green Salad

13. APA Sources LETTUCE RECIPES : FOOD NETWORK HTTP://WWW.FOODNETWORK.COM/TOPICS/LETTUCE.HTML LETTUCE - WIKIPEDIA, THE FREE ENCYCLOPEDIA HTTPS://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/LETTUCE LETTUCE VARIETIES - BEYOND ICEBERG HTTP://LOCALFOODS.ABOUT.COM/OD/SPRING/TP/LETTUCEVARIETIES.HTM LETTUCE : FOOD FACTS & TRIVIA - FOOD REFERENCE HTTP://WWW.FOODREFERENCE.COM/HTML/ARTLETTUCE.HTML