Legumes such as beans, peas and lentils are also becoming more popular as plant-based diets become more and more popular. The next great superfood— and for good reason! These creamy legumes are packed with nutrients to help you feel your best. Tell me all about this beloved lentil.
What are lentils?
Lentils are a member of the legume family and are classically known for their lens-shaped edible seeds. annual harvestalso known by its botanical name lentil dishes, has a rich history spanning thousands of years. In fact, the first evidence of cultivated lentils was 8000 BCwas cultivated along the banks of the Euphrates River in what is now Syria.
Benefits of eating lentils
Given the so many benefits that lentils offer, it’s no wonder lentils are a highly valued food product around the world.
Lentils can keep you energized
Lentils are rich in protein and B vitamins, including thiamine. folic acidpantothenic acid, vitamin B6, niacin. almost 18 grams of protein per cooked cup, The proteins found in these legumes provide the energy you need to tackle nearly any task, keep you feeling satisfied, and help build and maintain muscle and other tissues throughout your body. The B vitamins in lentils play an essential role in energy metabolism and also help you feel energetic and energized.
Lentil can improve gut health
These delicious seeds are not lacking in dietary fiber. One cup cooked provides almost half of your daily fiber needs (about 16 grams). Containing both soluble and insoluble fiber, lentils help maintain regularity while addressing or preventing GI problems. It contains. Resistant fiber that acts as a nutrient source for our healthy gut bacteria. benefits the overall health of
Lentils can boost our immune system
Lentils also contain zinc and rich plant compounds.zinc is a mineral Proven Stimulate our immune system. lentils too Highest botanical compound content Legumes, especially high in flavonols, anthocyanins, and phytosterols. These phytochemicals have high antioxidant benefits, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and help prevent chronic diseases caused by free radicals.
Lentils may affect heart health
The fiber and plant compounds found in lentils combine to make these edible seeds also champions of heart health. Helps remove nutrients from the body instead of absorbing them. Studies investigating these effects They even found that lentils were associated with improvements in blood lipid levels. Other research Lentils have been shown to help alleviate high blood pressure or hypertension, another important aspect of heart disease.
Lentils help regulate blood sugar
Lentils also help regulate blood sugar better whether you have a metabolic problem such as diabetes. This is partly due to protein and fiber, which are known to give the body more time to metabolize. This helps avoid blood sugar spikes that are difficult for the body to digest effectively. Studies also point to this effect, but through an additional mechanism, one study A bioactive plant compound found in lentils has been found to have antidiabetic (or blood sugar lowering) effects.
Lentils are full of minerals
Finally, lentils boast an impressive amount of minerals, including: ironphosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese. Together, these nutrients help form healthy red blood cells, bones, nerves, hormones, and other tissues, enhancing immune health, nutrient absorption, and fluid balance throughout the body.
How to eat more lentils at home
With all this exciting information about the benefits of eating lentils, an equally exciting amount of culinary possibilities comes to the table. There are, and each has its own characteristics, so choosing the right type is important. Here are some of the most commonly used types:
green
This creamy, starchy lentil is perfect for soups and stews.
brown
The most popular variety of lentils in the world, these brown beauties hold their shape when cooked and are great additions to salads. Plus, they offer an irresistibly nutty, earthy flavor.
red and yellow
These sweet, easy-to-cook lentils are a delicious Indian dal staple.
Black (or Beluga)
Named after beluga caviar, these dainty lentils are cooked as the base for an excellent grain bowl.
french greens (or puy)
French lentils or puy lentils have a zesty, mineral flavor that adds seamlessly to delicate soups. This variety is grown exclusively in the town of Le Puy in the South of France, where it is named, so it is a bit more expensive than other varieties.
No matter which type of lentil you choose, adding it to salads, soups, grain bowls, stews, dals, stuffings, or using flour in baked goods is a great way to incorporate it into your diet. You can also cook
Whether you’re drawn to lentils for flavor or nutrition, incorporating this new superfood into your daily routine will help you feel your best.
