Bioactive compounds in lettuce: Highlighting the benefits to human health and impacts of preharvest and postharvest practices

Lettuce is one of the most commonly consumed leafy vegetables worldwide andis available throughout the entire year. Lettuce is also a significant source ofnatural phytochemicals. These compounds, including glycosylated flavonoids,phenolic acids, carotenoids, the vitamin B groups, ascorbic acid, tocopherols,and sesquiterpene lactones, are essential nutritional bioactive compounds. Thisreview aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the composition ofhealth-promoting compounds in different types of lettuce, the potential healthbenefits of lettuce in reducing the risks of chronic diseases, and the effect ofpreharvest and postharvest practices on the biosynthesis and accumulation ofhealth-promoting compounds in lettuce.