11 benefit of lentils you must know about!

Lentils are the primary source of proteins for the vegan population around the world. Not only proteins, lentils store other vital vitamins and minerals that promote healthy living. Here is a list of health benefits that lentils offer that we all must know about.

Lentils are an incredible food group that must be a part of everyone’s daily meal routine. It is an extremely affordable food group and you can easily pick these up from any of your neighborhood grocery stores.

In few cuisines, lentils are used to prepare everything from the beverage to appetizer, soup, snack, side dish, main course, dessert, and even bread! So, here are the various health benefits of this versatile nutritional powerhouse that you must know about.

Nutritional content: Each cup serving of cooked lentil provides between 250 to 300 calories, 0.5g fats, between 23 to 25g carbohydrates, between 4 to 9g fiber, 12g proteins, 330% of RDA of molybdenum, 90% of RDA of folate, and 56% of RDA of copper.

Beneficial during pregnancy: Folate is one of the vital nutrients that is required in large quantities during pregnancy to ensure optimum development of the brain and avoid neural tube defects.

Boosts energy levels: Each one cup serving of cooked lentil contains 37% of RDA of iron, which is an important part of hemoglobin that helps to oxygenate blood and ward of lethargy and feeling of sluggishness.

Relieves constipation: Lentils are high in fiber and are beneficial to promote regularity of bowel movements by adding bulk to the diet.

Lentils aid in weight loss: Lentils are extremely filling with a moderate amount of calories per serving that will fill you up adequately for good 3 to 4 hours if consumed along with a generous portion of fresh green salad.

Regulates blood sugar levels: Lentils contain slow digesting carbohydrates that are broken down slowly to release blood sugar gradually in to the blood stream. This helps to maintain the blood glucose levels to a near normal range.

Contains antioxidants: Lentils contain manganese which is a powerful antioxidant and is beneficial to eliminate free radicals from the body.

May prevent cancer: With the presence of antioxidants such as selenium and manganese, legumes are vital to prevent the development of tumors and strengthen our immune system.

Lowers cholesterol: Lentils are extremely healthy as they are low in fat and high in fiber. Apart from that lentils are also a great source of copper that works against an enzyme that is required to produce cholesterol. Regular consumption of legumes is attached to a healthy heart and reduced accumulation of plaque and atherosclerosis.

Reduces homocysteine levels: Lentils contain folic acid and B vitamins that reduce homocysteine levels in the body.

Maintains blood tonicity: Each one cup serving of cooked lentil contains 21% of RDA of potassium that boosts removal of sodium from the body and maintains electrolyte balance in blood and fluids of the body.