What Are The Benefits Of Eating Lentils?

Lentils are in the same food family as beans, and humans have eaten lentils for thousands of years. Shyam S. Yadav, David McNeil and Philip C. Stevenson report in their book "Lentil: An Ancient Crop for Modern Times" that the first lentils were grown and consumed at least 7,000 years ago. These ancient civilizations realized the health benefits of this food, and you take advantage of the same rewards by adding them to your diet.

Protein

One of the biggest benefits you get from adding lentils to your diet is a low-fat source of protein. Many meat sources of protein, such as steak or hamburger, are high in saturated fat, which can compromise many areas of your health. Lentils do not contain saturated fat and have less than 1 g of total fat. Your body needs protein to sustain muscle mass and promote healthy functioning of all your internal systems. One cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 g of protein.

Fiber

Lentils are a healthy way to increase your intake of fiber. Lentils contain soluble and insoluble fiber, which may improve your digestive health, help you reduce your cholesterol levels and keep your blood sugar stable. Adding lentils to soup, stew and casseroles is a simple way to increase your fiber intake while eating foods you already enjoy. One cup of cooked lentils supplies about 15 g of fiber.

Minerals

One of the most notable minerals in lentils is iron. You need iron to promote the healthy formation of red blood cells in your body. One cup of cooked lentils supplies you with over 6 mg of iron. A cup of lentils also provides 38 mg of calcium, which supports the health of your bones and your teeth. Lentils are a good source of potassium for heart health and magnesium for healthy muscles. Small amounts of zinc, selenium and copper are also present in cooked lentils.

Vitamins

Folate is the most prevalent vitamin present in a serving of lentils. You need this important B vitamin, also called folic acid, for healthy DNA, and it may also help prevent certain birth defects. One cup of lentils provides 358 mcg of the 400 mcg you need each day. Lentils contain several other vitamins that benefit your health, including vitamin C for your immune system and vitamin K, which helps your body clot your blood in the case of injury.