There are four primary types of lettuce: butterhead, crisphead, looseleaf and romaine. Iceberg lettuce, the least nutritious of salad greens, comes from the crisphead family and is generally recognizable by its pale green, cabbage-like appearance. Butterhead lettuce includes the Boston and bibb variants, and is generally known for its grassy green leaves and mild flavor. Looseleaf lettuce does not grow in heads. Instead, it features dark green leaves that are joined at the stem, similar in appearance to kale. Romaine lettuce, also referred to as cos, has a strong taste and crispy texture, and is commonly used in Caesar salads.
All four types of green lettuce contain phytonutrients, antioxidants that have been linked to preventing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. According to Colorado State University, romaine lettuce and green leaf lettuce from the looseleaf family ranked the highest in antioxidants as well as vital nutrients.
Find more nutritional facts and recipes by clicking this link What Green Lettuce Is the Most Nutritious? | Livestrong.com
