Lettuce tea can be an ally for sleep and fighting anxiety

Lettuce is one of the most popular vegetables and is part of the diet of most people, who are even aware that it is very beneficial to health when consumed as a salad. Lettuce tea, however, is still seen as a novelty by many. Learn about benefits, recipes and care needed with the use of this tea.

What is lettuce tea for?

Anna Carolina Diniz (CRN 16100966), post-graduate nutritionist in Biofunctional, Orthomolecular and Phytotherapy Nutrition, comments that lettuce tea is rich in minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron and potassium, in addition to vitamins such as A, C, E and K

Camila Pedrosa (CRN 15858), nutritionist at the Viver Nutrição e Gastronomia clinic, adds that, in addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, lettuce has lactupirin and lactucin, substances considered calming. Because of this, tea has become popular as an ally for those who have trouble sleeping.

In this sense, the main benefits of lettuce tea can be highlighted, according to nutritionists:

1. Soothing action;
2. Anti-inflammatory effect;
3. Antibacterial action (on the skin);
4. Laxative action;
5. Helps fight swelling or obesity (due to diuretic action);
6. Helps to reduce blood pressure (because it is rich in water and potassium, it helps to eliminate excess sodium and fluid retained in the body);
7. Antioxidant effect (helping fight free radicals);
8. Strengthening of the airways;
9. Strengthening immunity.

As with other teas, to enjoy these benefits, lettuce tea must be consumed regularly, in amounts appropriate to the particularities of each person, preferably within a balanced diet, accompanied by a nutritionist.

Lettuce tea questions

The consumption of this tea is still something new and therefore it is common for some doubts to arise. Check the clarification for the main questions below:

• What should be the precautions with the consumption of lettuce tea? Anna Carolina explains that one of the minerals present in lettuce is manganese, which, when consumed in excess, damages the thyroid. “An interesting tip is to try to make tea with lettuce without pesticides, organic. Because contamination by pesticides is really bad for the body,” she adds.
• What are the side effects of lettuce tea? In addition to being able to harm the thyroid, nutritionist Camila explains that excessive use of this tea can intoxicate, cause nausea, vomiting and a sedative effect.
• Lettuce tea make you sleepy? Decrease anxiety? Anna Carolina highlights that, in the lettuce stalk, there is a milky substance called lactucin. “This substance helps with relaxation, decreasing anxiety and inducing sleep. So, the ideal would be to have a cup of tea 30 minutes before going to bed if what you are looking for is sleep. If you’re looking to reduce anxiety, have about three cups a day.”

  The specialist also points out that if you already use any medication for sleep or anxiety, it is not recommended to consume tea before consulting a qualified professional, as there may be interactions and unwanted effects.

• Why shouldn’t we give babies lettuce tea? “Babies should be exclusively breastfed until they are six months old. After that age, lettuce tea is not recommended, as the calming effects can cause excessive sedation, altered senses, intoxication, nausea and vomiting. The baby’s body is more sensitive, so don’t give your baby any tea without first talking to the pediatrician”, highlights Camila Pedrosa.
• Lettuce tea lose weight? Anna Carolina replies that lettuce tea, by itself, does not make you lose weight. “But as it is relaxing and sedative, it ends up causing greater satiety and, thus, the person tends to eat less and leave out sweets and cookies, which are typical anxiety foods”, she says.

  Nutritionist Anna Carolina recalls that, still thinking about the issue of weight loss, in addition to the benefits of tea that can (albeit indirectly) help in this process, consuming lettuce leaf during meals is excellent for nutrients, amount of fiber and very low calories.

lettuce tea recipes

It is in the lettuce stalk that lactucin is found, among other substances that make tea beneficial; therefore, it should not be discarded in the preparation. Some preparations use the stalk and leaf; and others, only the stalk. Check out the main recipes below:

1. Simple lettuce tea

1. Separate 200 ml of water and about 7 sanitized lettuce leaves;
2. Place in a kettle and heat until boiling.
3. When it boils, let it boil for another five minutes;
4. Turn off the fire;
5. Strain and wait to cool down to drink.

2. Lettuce stalk tea

1. In a cup, place about six lettuce stalks;
2. Boil a cup of water;
3. Pour the hot water directly into the cup with the lettuce stalk;
4. Wait about five minutes and stir a little;
5. Sweeten to taste (if necessary);
6. Drink the tea, disregarding the stalks.

3. Lettuce and mint tea

1. In a kettle, boil 200 ml of water;
2. When it boils, turn off the heat;
3. Add three mint leaves and two lettuce leaves;
4. Let the tea rest for 15 minutes;
5. Strain and drink.

4. Lettuce and Apple Peel Tea

1. Put 200 ml of water to heat in a kettle;
2. As soon as it boils, turn off the heat;
3. Add the apple peels and the chopped lettuce leaf;
4. Leave the mixture to infuse for 10 minutes;
5. Wait for it to cool, strain and drink the tea.

It is worth mentioning that, as in the case of other teas, the ideal is to drink without sweetening, especially if the goal is weight loss. But, if you feel the need for sweet, use honey or some sweetener recommended by your nutritionist.

Now you know that lettuce tea really has calming properties, can aid sleep, among other benefits it offers. If you love tea, also know the valuable properties of basil tea.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.