Today I want to share some healthy lentils recipes. Compared to other types of dried beans, lentils are relatively quick and easy to prepare. They readily absorb a variety of wonderful flavors from other foods and seasonings, are high in nutritional value and are available throughout the year.
Lentils nutrition benefits include:
- the ability to improve and maintain heart health,
- help you to lose weight in a healthy way,
- fight blood sugar fluctuations that can lead to diabetes or low energy levels,
- improve digestive health.
Lentils are enjoyed all over the world in many types of recipes and are one of the best all-natural meat-substitute foods.
Lower 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.
Heart Health
Several studies have shown that high fiber foods reduce your risk of heart disease. Lentils are also a great source of folate and magnesium. Folate lowers your homocysteine levels, a serious risk factor for heart disease. Magnesium improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Digestive Health
Lentils contain insoluble dietary fiber which helps prevent constipation and other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.
Stabilized Blood Sugar
Soluble fiber slows down digestion and stabilizes blood sugar levels. This can be especially helpful for those with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.
Good Protein
26% of lentil’s calories are attributed to protein, which makes them a wonderful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Increases Energy
Lentils increase energy due its fiber and complex carbohydrates. Lentils contain high amount of iron, which is needed by the body for optimum hemoglobin production. About 36% of the iron of the Daily Recommended value can come from eating 1 cup (200 grams) of lentils every day. Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue.
Women aged 18 to 50 years are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency. Not getting enough iron in the diet can affect how efficiently the body uses energy.
Weight Loss
Although lentils include all these beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they contain virtually no fat.