Myth: Iceberg lettuce is just as healthy as other greens.

Answer: Busted!

Unfortunately, iceberg lettuce is not a nutritional powerhouse of any kind. It is about 95% water and, compared to other leafy greens, it's nutrient make-up is extremely low.

Try darker leafy greens such as romaine or spinach for your salad. These have more nutrients than light-colored iceberg lettuce. They are also higher in B vitamins, lutein (for vision health), folate, vitamins A and K, and fiber.

If you can’t part with iceberg, mix other greens into your salad and add other veggies to bump up the nutrient content of your salad. A healthy salad can be a great way to help you make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

Additional nutrition and health information can be found at MissouriFamilies.org.



Contributor: Karen Sherbondy, MEd, RD, LD, Extension Associate, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri Extension, 816-655-6227