7 Health Benefits Of Lentils

7 Health Benefits Of Lentils

Article
Brain & Nerve
Heart & Vascular Health
+3
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBANov 11, 2021

The lentil (Lens culinaris) is an edible pulse, belonging to the legume family, grown for its lens-shaped seeds. Lentils are also one of the oldest known sources of food, dating back more than 9,000 years. Lentil colors range from yellow to red-orange to green, brown and black. Lentil recipes are used throughout South Asia, the Mediterranean regions, and West Asia. They are frequently combined with rice, which has a similar cooking duration. Its incredible health benefits are one of the reasons why this legume stood the test of time.

Here are the 7 health benefits of the lentils.

1.     Lentils are a packed with protein.

Lentils hold the highest amount of protein originating from any plant. The amount of protein found in lentils is up to 35 percent, which is comparable to red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Lentils contain all the essential amino acids that are needed by our body for good muscle-building.

2.     Lentils may help prevent atherosclerosis.

Studies have suggested that the consumption of lentils provides antioxidants that decreased the chances of developing atherosclerosis. These antioxidants also play a role in counteracting free radicals and preventing cell and gene damage (aging).

3.     Lentils could help fight against cancer.

Research has shown that plant lectin, a type of plant protein originating from foods like lentils, wheat, peanuts, peas, and soybeans have a great influence on cancer cells. Also, lectins cause cell poisoning and cell death, which means that they have a high potential to control cancer growth.

4.     Lentils are an excellent source of folate.

Lentils are a decent source of B-vitamins like folate. Folate has shown to help in neural tube formation, red blood cell formation, and regulating homocysteine levels.

5.     Lentils are an excellent source of iron.

About 36 percent of the iron of the daily recommended value can come from eating one cup of lentils every day. Iron consumption is ideal for red blood cells and hemoglobin production. This can prevent anemia in some individuals.

6.     Lentils can help improve cardiovascular activity.

Lentils are an excellent source of potassium. High potassium with low sodium diets has shown to decrease the risk of hypertension.

7.     Lentils can help boost the metabolism.

Lentils contain many vitamins, including vitamin B3, which contributes in boosting the digestive and nervous systems. Vitamin B3 also plays a role in cholesterol control, a decreased risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts, osteoarthritis, and diabetes.

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!