8 Amazing Health Benefits of Lentils You Should Know About
Lentils are a centuries-old nutritious staple. They are beans that originated in the Middle East at approximately 8,000 B.C. and moved west. It was considered a luxurious feast to the Egyptians but a poor man's meal to the Greeks.
In 1600, the lentil came to North America and became a well-known, low-fat, high-protein meat substitute. The lens-shaped bean comes in brown, green, and red sizes. The delicate taste of this gluten-free food compliments other ingredients and flavours, making it easy to integrate it into your meal plan.
Now, you can eat lentils with or without a husk, although eating with one provides you with the most fibre content. In addition, lentils are high in isoleucine, lysine, phytochemicals, phenols, vitamins, and minerals. They also have high amounts of iron that the body needs for hemoglobin production and folic acid for pregnant or nursing women.
With all the nutritional benefits of lentils, it should be a part of your family’s regular healthy diet. Let’s look closer into the other health benefits of this popular meat alternative:
1. Enhances Metabolism, Digestion, and Weight Control
Lentils are high in numerous vitamins, including vitamin B3, which may help to improve the digestive and neurological systems and lipid profile and lower cholesterol
Since they are high in dietary fibre, lentils improve metabolism and digestion if you consume them regularly. It means ease of bowel motions, resulting in less constipation and better weight control. Since it also helps you feel full, it curbs excessive snacking between meals.
2. Aids in Diabetes Management
According to nutrition experts, lentils have a significant dietary fibre content among the legumes family, which aids with blood sugar regulation. Dietary fibre may also delay the pace at which your body’s circulation absorbs food, maintaining a consistent blood sugar level.
3. Enhances Cardiovascular Health
With their low-fat content, lentils are a potentially significant source of protein without adding excess fat to the body, further improving heart health. Moreover, lentils include magnesium and potassium, which helps in the relaxation of cardiovascular muscles and blood pressure reduction.
4. Strengthens the Nervous System
Lentils are superb sources of vitamins and minerals vital for normal brain functions. They also supply a consistent amount of glucose to your brain that serves as fuel and a crucial energy source for cells in the body. Furthermore, its high fibre content can keep your brain in good health.
5. Offers Anticancer Properties
Medical experts have discovered that plants with lentils such as legumes, soybeans, and lentils strongly affect cancer cells. According to research, these lectins produce cytotoxicity and apoptosis, which indicates they have a high potential to prevent cancer growth.
6. Promotes Muscle Growth Acceleration
Our organs and muscles may require a steady supply of protein for repair and development. Lentils, particularly sprouted lentils, provide all of the necessary amino acids the body needs for muscle growth and proper bodily functions.
7. Prevents Atherosclerosis
Experts say that eating lentils provides antioxidants that reduce the risk of getting atherosclerosis or the hardening or thickening of the arteries. Furthermore, these antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, reducing cell and DNA damage that ageing causes.
8. Boosts Electrolytic Activity
Lentils are also high in potassium, a superior electrolyte than sodium, necessary for the correct functioning of various organs, including the heart, brain, and kidney.
Are Lentils Suitable for Everyone?
Lentils are a healthy addition to a balanced diet for the vast majority of individuals. However, it is worth mentioning that, like other legumes, they contain natural chemicals known as anti-nutrients. You can minimize this by soaking the lentils in water or mixing them in moderation with your food.
If you are allergic to legumes, such as chickpeas and peas, you are more likely to be allergic to lentils. If you're on a particular diet, ask your doctor or nutritionist if lentils are healthy for you and how much is safe for you to eat.
Discover the most delicious lentil dishes at Karakoram Restaurant. We are a traditional Pakistani Restaurant providing you with a unique dining experience reminiscent of the flavours of Western, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, and Indian cuisines. We are simply the best Pakistani food Vancouver has to offer. Visit us or order online today!