Salads typically consist of leafy greens and freshly sliced vegetables topped with grilled meats, cheeses, and dressings. Whether enjoyed as a side or main course, eating this dish for lunch or dinner may provide several healthy advantages. Below, learn more about the nutritional benefits of delicious and refreshing salads.

4 Health Perks of Salad

1. Low-Fat and Low-Calorie 

Salads often contain light and lean ingredients, meaning they help you maintain a healthy weight. They usually feature lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, which are low in fat and calories and make for a clean, diet-friendly meal. 

Keep salads light and nutritious by ordering them topped with lean meats such as grilled chicken or salmon and low-fat ranch, Italian, or vinaigrette dressing when you go out for lunch or dinner. 

2. Protein-Packed 

Many restaurants offer the option to add grilled chicken, salmon, or steak to salads. In addition to making this meal more filling, these meats increase the protein content. This essential macronutrient forms the basis of all cells and tissues, and eating 50 to 70 grams of it per day may reduce your susceptibility to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. 

Salads may also contain cheese, sliced eggs, or cream-based dressings, which also contain protein. 

3. Vitamin-Rich 

Salads frequently include tomatoes as an ingredient and fresh berries or citrus wedges. These fruits are filled with vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that combats free radicals in the body, protecting cells from becoming damaged, infected, or diseased. 

Spinach is another common ingredient. This leafy green contains plenty of vitamin K, which helps the body build strong bone tissues and assists with blood clotting.

4. Good Source of Fiber 

Leafy greens in salads such as spinach, arugula, and kale contain fiber, a carbohydrate that the body does not digest and instead moves smoothly through the digestive system. As a result, it may regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of bowel cancers. 

Fiber may also lower cholesterol levels, normalize blood sugar, and lower the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. Additionally, many salads feature nuts, seeds, and legumes, which also contain fiber.

The next time you're in the mood for healthy and delicious salads, dine at L.A. Cafe. This restaurant provides salads, soups, and sandwiches along with pasta and specialty entrees for hungry patrons throughout Whitestown, IN. Call (317) 769-7503 to place a takeout order for lunch or dinner, and visit the website to browse their complete menu of American food.