Yes, lettuce is healthy. But the type you eat matters.

A side, a main, a topping to a burger or sandwich: Lettuce can be pretty much anything you want it to be.

But are these green leafy veggies actually healthy?

Yes − adding a bit of lettuce not only provides tasty variety, but makes for a complex diet that contributes to long-term health, according to Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine physician scientist, educator and policy maker at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

"Lettuce can be a valuable part of a long-term healthy diet, providing essential nutrients and supporting weight management. To maximize benefits, consume lettuce as part of a varied diet that includes a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein," says Stanford.

Here's which types of lettuce are most popular, why these greens are good for you and what you need to be mindful of as you include more in your diet.