29/10/2020
Lentils belong to the legume family. They resemble a tiny bean, grow in pods, and come in red, brown, black, and green varieties. They also contain high levels of protein and fiber.
Lentils are relatively quick and easy to prepare, and their low cost makes them an accessible form of high quality protein for many people around the world.
Benefits:
Lentils are rich in minerals, protein, and fibre.Lentils are a plentiful source of fiber, folic acid, and potassium. These nutrients all support heart health.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), increased fiber intake can reduce levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or bad cholesterol.
Not only does fiber have links to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, but it might slow the progression of the disease in high risk individuals.
Lentils add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the diet. They also provide protein and are an excellent replacement for meat in meals.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lentils are one of the best food sources for potassium.
Lentils provide a large amount of folate.
Folate is critical for preventing neural tube defects in newborns.
This essential vitamin can also reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
Lentils also provide selenium.
Selenium may decrease the rates that tumors grow. It may also improve a person’s immune response to infection by stimulating the production of T cells. T cells kill disease.
The NIH note that selenium may help reduce rates of colorectal, prostate, lung, bladder, skin, esophageal, and gastric cancers.
Adequate fiber intake serves as an important factor in weight loss by functioning as a “bulking agent” in the digestive system.
Fiber in the diet helps to increase the feeling of fullness and reduce appetite. This can reduce a person’s overall calorie intake.
The high fiber content in lentils also helps keep the digestive tract healthy, which in turn, prevents constipation and promotes regular bowel movements.
Lentils are a highly nutritious food. They are rich in minerals, protein, and fiber.
100 grams (g) of cooked lentils contains:
116 calories (kcal)9.02 g of protein0.38 g of fat20.13 g of carbohydrates, including 7.9 g of fiber and 1.8 g of sugar
Lentils also provide the following essential nutrients:
folate iron manganese phosphorus thiamin potassium and vitamin B-6
Lentils are also a source of:
riboflavin niacin pantothenic acid magnesium zinc copper selenium
Heres a red lentil muffin recipe ...ur power packed breakfast !