By Jean Sumner
Consuming a plant based, whole food diet entails trying new things. I have to admit that I have just recently started adding lentils to my diet. The exciting thing about adding lentils to your diet is the huge benefits you will receive.
Adding lentils to your diet will lower your Cholesterol! Lentils help to reduce blood cholesterol since they contain high levels of soluble fiber. Lowering your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping your arteries clean.
Lentils will improve your heart health! Several studies have shown that eating high fiber foods like lentils reduces your risk of heart disease. Lentils are also a great source of folate and magnesium, which are big contributors to heart health. Folate lowers your homocysteine levels, a serious risk factor for heart disease. Magnesium improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Low levels of magnesium have been directly associated with heart disease.
Lentils are packed with insoluble fiber which will impact your digestive health! Insoluble dietary fiber found in lentils helps prevent constipation and other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.
Consuming lentils will help stabilized your blood sugar! Adding to the many benefits of fiber, soluble fiber traps carbohydrates, slowing down digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. This can be especially helpful for those with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.
Lentils are packed with protein! Of all legumes and nuts, lentils contain the third-highest levels of protein. Twenty six percent of lentil’s calories are attributed to protein, which makes them a wonderful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Lentils will increase your energy! Lentils increase steady, slow-burning energy due to their fiber and complex carbohydrates. Lentils are also a good source of iron, which transports oxygen throughout your body and is important for energy production and metabolism.
And lastly, lentils can help with weight loss! Although lentils include all these beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full and satisfied.