Lentils are legumes that provide a significant amount of minerals. In addition to vitamins and other compounds that make this food an excellent ingredient to combine and ingest on a daily basis..
In addition, lentils have a great flavor. So they can be combined and prepared in a wide variety of dishes and thus enjoy the properties and benefits of these legumes. We have compiled all this information in this list.
All the benefits and properties that lentils have for the organism.
One of the many advantages of lentils is that they are economical. This is because they are very economical to harvest and, in addition, they help to nourish the soil where they have been sown, thus contributing to the regeneration of the soil..
Unlike other legumes, lentils are very simple and quicker to cook. They do not even need to be soaked in advance, as is the case with beans. For these reasons and more, surely after knowing the benefits of lentils, you will include them more often in your dishes.
1. High protein content
Lentils have an important contribution of protein. It is even considered an alternative to any meat. However, lentils lack several amino acids necessary for the body. For this reason it is recommended to be consumed together with rice and wheat. In this way the minimum necessary protein intake is guaranteed.
2. Good fiber content
This legume can contribute to regulate the intestinal function. Although it does not have a considerable amount of fiber, unlike other legumes, lentils have among their benefits to help with intestinal transit. With the advantage that, not being so high in fiber, they do not produce flatulence and are very quick to digest..
3. Vitamin B
Among the benefits and properties of lentils is their vitamin B content. In addition to folic acid, lentils have several B vitamins, such as B1, B2, B5 and B6. This helps to strengthen the nervous system. Although this property of lentils is lost when they are cooked, so consuming lentils cooked in water is a good idea.However, this property is lost when lentils are cooked, so consuming them in sprouts could be an option to get the most out of them.
4. Low in fat
Lentils can be included in a diet to lose weight. This is because they have a very low fat content. On the contrary, their vitamin and multiple mineral content make lentils a very complete ingredient that helps to cover several nutritional that helps to cover several of the daily nutritional requirements.
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5. Iron
Iron is a compound found with a high content in lentils. Because of this important property, its continuous and abundant consumption is recommended when people have iron deficiency.. However, its consumption should be combined with food containing Vitamin C to facilitate its absorption.
6. Contribution of energy
These legumes provide a very good amount of energy. Another property of lentils is that they have a high concentration of carbohydrates. This means that the body receives a significant amount of energy that is also maintained for several hours without peaks or troughs. Undoubtedly, lentils can be an ideal food for athletes..
7. Phosphorus
Lentils have an important phosphorus content. As already mentioned, these legumes contain multiple minerals in important quantities. One of them is phosphorus, which helps the neuronal synapse, balance the PH of the skin and in the formation of muscle tissue.
8. Magnesium
Magnesium helps the nervous system to function properly. And lentils contain, among its many properties and benefits, this important mineral. In addition to helping the nervous system, it helps to strengthen the immune system in general.. It is also involved in strengthening bones.
9. Source of antioxidants
Another important benefit of lentils is that they are a source of antioxidants. This property, which is found in several legumes, helps to delay or diminish diseases related to the degenerative process of the organs. In addition, during the growth stage, helps to an adequate development.
10. Zinc
Any type of lentils has an important content of minerals such as Zinc. The importance of this compound lies in the fact that it is the one that allows the correct absorption of vitamin A in the body. In this way it is contributing to maintain a healthy sight, as well as it also promotes the growth and health of the hair..
11. Vitamin A
Lentils also contain vitamin A. As is well known, this vitamin is closely related to visual health. This is because it has an antioxidant function that delays or decreases the degeneration of organs. But likewise, the vitamin A contained in lentils helps other organs of the body to delay the natural aging process.
12. Potassium
Potassium is also present in lentils. This important mineral helps to eliminate excess salt and fluids in the body.. It can therefore help to avoid fluid retention and as a result contribute to lowering the risk of hypertension. For this reason including lentils in a balanced diet helps to maintain health.
13. Calcium
Among the benefits and properties of this legume is its calcium content. Although it is not found in a particularly high amount, as it is present in other foods, its calcium balance with the rest of the minerals, make lentils a very complete food.
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14. They can help control cholesterol
Due to all its properties, lentils can help to keep cholesterol levels low.. The fiber, antioxidants and phytates contained in this legume are compounds that help absorb bad cholesterol before it reaches the blood. In addition to improving metabolism and utilization of fatty acids.
15. A food recommended for diabetics
With a few exceptions, lentils are a food that is recommended for people with diabetes. This is because thanks to the fiber it contains, and the high carbohydrate content, it keeps blood sugar levels very stable, providing energy. For this reason, diabetics can consume it to avoid fatigue.