Lentils are the seed of the Lentils plant and a member of leguminosae botanical family, having small, disk-shaped brown, reddish-orange, or brownish-green legumes that grow on an annual bush like plant.
• They are distinguished from beans in that they don’t contain Sulfur and therefore don’t produce gas.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
Directions of Preparation
Its Active Constituents:
Its Active Constituents:
• Lentils is excellent in Dietary Fiber, Iron, Vitamin B1.
• Lentils is very good in Energy, Protein, Carbohydrate, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Total Choline, Vitamin K.
• Lentils has average trace of Calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E.
Expert Advice:
* Foods that blend very well with Lentils and compensate for its nutritional deficiencies:
a) Lemons – Lemons provide Vitamin C, which increase the absorption of Lentils Iron.
b) Grains – Grains especially Rice are rich in Methionine (an essential Amino Acids) lacking in legumes.
c) Cabbages, Spinach and Dairy Products – They are rich in Calcium which is very scarce in Lentils.
d) Carrots – Carrots provide Provitamin A that is not found in Lentils.
Health Benefits of Lentils
Cancer & Tumor Prevention
• Lentils is uniquely high in several nutrients important for Breast Cancer protection, including Fiber, Folic Acid and Phytoestrogens called lignins.
• Those who consumed Beans or Lentils at least twice a week were 24% less likely to get Breast Cancer than those who consumed them less than once a week (Harvard’s Nurses’ Study).
Foods & Cancer
Cardiovascular System
• Lentils has a stellar nutritional pedigree which is very beneficial to the Cardiovascular System.
• Soluble Fiber can reduce fasting plasma Cholesterol which is associated with reduced risk of heart disease.
• It may help to modestly reduce LDL Cholesterol levels beyond that achieved by a diet low in Cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans-fats alone.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System
• Lentils is good for Anemia patients since they are an excellent source of Iron and also contain Folates and Copper (0.852 mg/ 100g).
• Iron is a dietary mineral of great importance for our general well-being and oxygen transportation through the blood. Its main function is transporting oxygen from our lungs to muscles and internal organs.
Foods & Circulatory System
Diabetes
• Lentils is good for diabetics and their diets as they help treat high Cholesterol and high blood sugar through.
• It helps control blood sugar by delaying the emptying of The Stomach and retarding the entry of sugar into the bloodstream.
• Soluble Fiber can reduce postprandial glycemia, which is associated with reduced risk of Diabetes by stabilizing insulin and glucose levels. Its soluble Fiber that breaks down as it passes though the Digestive tract, forming a gel that traps some substances related to high Cholesterol and
Foods & Diabetes
Digestive System
• Lentils is plentiful Fibers aid in evacuation and also promote satiety (the feeling of being full).
• Soluble Fiber can delay gastric emptying and slow the transit of food through the upper GI tract).
Foods & Digestive System
Energy
• Iron supports Energy production by increasing the amount of oxygen transported to tissues.
• Vitamin B1 ensures adequate Energy levels. ThiamineCarbohydrates and Proteins into Energy for use in the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Foods & Energy
Eye
• Vitamin B1 works together with essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 to offer protection against Cataract and offer healthy vision.
• Higher intake of ThiamineCataract and lens opacification.
Foods & Eye
Immune System
• Iron increases the delivery of oxygen throughout the body, supports the Immune System and increases anti-bodies production.
Foods & Immune System
Intestine
• Soluble Fiber holds moisture in stools (softening them) and help to alleviate Diarrhea.
• It slows the absorption of nutrients from the small intestine, entrap bile salts and Cholesterol in the large intestine, thus protecting against belly fat accumulation.
Foods & Intestine
Metabolism
• Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin required for Carbohydrate and ethanol Metabolism, thus responsible for supplying our body with Energy (fuel for the Human Body) and sustaining a myriad of essential processes.
Foods & Metabolism
Musculoskeletal System
• Iron supports body growth and development.
• Teenagers (both girls and boys), may suffer from an Iron deficiency due to rapid growth associated with higher Iron demands.
• Athletes, bodybuilders or running enthusiasts may be at risk of Iron deficiency, because frequent exercise may lead to Iron loss through perspiration.
• Vitamin B1 helps produce acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that sends messages to both muscles and nerves).
• Thiamine coordinate the activity of both muscles and nerves.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Pregnancy
• Lentils is beneficial for Pregnancy as pregnant women can get abundant Iron to avoid Pregnancy related Anemia.
• Large amounts of Folates, help prevent fetal Nervous System malformations.
Foods & Pregnancy
The Brain & Nervous System
• Vitamin B1 helps strengthen nerves and improves brain function (such as both memory and concentration).
• An adequate intake can relieve Stress damage to the brain and improve overall brain function significantly.
Foods & Nervous System
Weight Management
• Lentils provide a dense package of healthy Vegetable Protein, Fiber, anti-oxidants, Potassium, Magnesium, and more Folate than any other food.
• Like Beans, they are especially valuable for appetite and weight control because of their high Fiber and Protein make-up.
• It bursting with Cholesterol-lowering Fiber, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and provide more Folate than any other food.
Foods & Weight Management
Women Health
• Iron is especially important for menstruating women, who are a lot more at risk for its deficiency.
• Women are more susceptible to suffer from its deficiency and even Anemia because of blood loss occurring monthly and during childbirth.
Foods & Women Health
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Lentils
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Lentils
