Lentils are the legume you should consume. They are filling, easy to prepare, and packed full of essential amino acids and dietary nutrients, which your body needs more of. There’s no question as to why lentils are a part of many different cuisines around the world.
Read more about the health benefits of lentils and why adding them to your diet could be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made:
Attack’s Free Radicals
Free radicals are uncharged molecules that can start a chain reaction, leading to the development of numerous different diseases. The higher the level of free radicals, the higher the risk of getting a disease or virus. Manganese is a co-factor in the formation of an antioxidant enzyme called manganese superoxide dismutase. This antioxidant is linked to lowered levels of free radicals.
Energy Boost
Lentils are packed with iron and copper which makes them an energy boosting type of food. Copper will help transfer energy from carbs inside of cells, which helps with energy levels throughout the day. The fiber in copper also gives slow-burning energy which gives you a full feeling for longer, so you feel more full and more fueled over a longer period of time.
Facilitates Weight Loss
Vegetarian cuisines, like Indian, choose lentils, as opposed to really starchy foods. One cup of lentils contains just over 200 calories, which is low considering it is classified as a “carb” based food. So eat a flavorful dish of lentils if you want to feel full and maintain portion control.
Lowers Cholesterol
A growing concern, is rising cholesterol and how to control it. Lentils possess over half your daily copper requirement. Copper counteracts the enzyme HMG- CoA reductase, the enzyme targeted by cholesterol medications.
Digestive Aid
Fiber is a non-digestible component of plant food that keeps your digestive system going strong, and progressive. Doctors suggest your diet consist of around 40%-50% high fiber foods to avoid problems like constipation.
Lowers Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
High fiber foods are important for many reasons, one of them being they fight against heart disease. Lentils contain high levels of folate and magnesium, both of which improve blood flow through arteries and benefit the heart.
Regulates Blood Sugar
If you suffer diabetes, you must start eating lentils. Legumes are high in soluble fiber and help stabilize blood sugar. Lentils are also low on the glycemic index, which means they digest slowly without causing blood sugar to spike, which makes them a safe choice.
Supports Brain Health
Lentils have a high folate content, which can provide around 90% of your daily recommendation in one serving. Folate is a complex B vitamin that is a key nutrient in human health. Folate deficiency can lead to birth defects and blood disorders. Folate also boosts nervous system function.
Women’s Health
While red meat is well known for having high iron content, lentils don’t fall far behind. Women need iron to maintain a healthy menstruation cycle and have healthy pregnancy. Therefore, they require more iron in their diet than me. Pregnant and lactating women require more than 25mg per day of iron.
Healthy Cardiovascular System
Folate-rich lentils also deliver great support to your cardiovascular system. Folate acts as a deterrent to homocysteine (Hcy), a non-protein amino acid that is correlated with blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.