Sunita Williams is farming lettuce in space: Know 6 health benefits of this vegetable

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is currently living aboard the International Space Station on an extended mission for eight more months. Since that time, she has been on the mission, and updates about her deteriorating health, when she is coming back, and more have been circulating on the internet. Most recent updates reveal that the NASA astronaut is currently working on a groundbreaking mission to grow plants in space.?

The station's commander is aiming to grow ‘Outredgeous’ romaine lettuce, an annual leaf vegetable that is mostly eaten fresh and commonly served as the base of green salads.

Let’s get to the bottom of this—What’s the purpose behind the experiment??

The main goal of the experiment is known as Plant Habitat-07, to assess the influence of moisture on space. The experiment is conducted with a focus on investigating how differing amounts of water affect the plant’s growth in space. It is hypothesised that it is a critical aspect to research future space missions and enhance the agricultural advancement on Earth.?

The research is part of an initiative to explore how different levels of water affect a plant’s growth in microgravity. However, the lettuce is not grown for eating purposes; it is only grown for future space missions and agricultural practices on Earth.?

Cultivating plants like lettuce can ensure astronauts have access to fresh produce, which can also help boost their dietary health while they are on missions. Let’s know the health benefits of eating lettuce.?

Leaf it to lettuce: Know 6 health benefits of eating this?

1. High in nutrients: Red leaf lettuce is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, and minerals that help boost overall health and well-being.?
2. Good for hydration: Lettuce has 96 per cent water content, which can keep you hydrated and full for a long time.?
3. Rich in antioxidants: Lettuce is rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from chronic diseases like cancer. It may also help you fight inflammation.
4. Helps in weight loss: Consuming a small portion of lettuce in salad form can help you lose weight faster, as it curbs the hunger pangs.?
5. Good for bones and brain: Lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin K that helps to build the bones strong and also prevents memory loss in the long run.
6. Reduces risk of diabetes: Lettuce is rich in antioxidants that help in preventing eye diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

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