Lentils are often added in many dishes because they are relatively quick and easy to prepare. Also, lentils are high in nutritional value and are available throughout the year.
What are Lentils?
Lentil or Lens Culiaris is a brushy annual plant of the legume family, grown for its lens-shaped seeds. It is about 15 inches tall and the seeds grow in pods, usually with two seeds in each. Lentils was one of the first crops domesticated in the Near East. Lentils are sold in many forms, with or without the pods, whole or split. Lentils are perfect for soups as it will give the soup a rich thickness.
Health Benefits of Lentils:
Lowers Cholesterol
Lentils are absolutely rich in dietary fiber, both the soluble and insoluble type. The soluble fiber forms like a gel that binds with the bile acids, which forces the body to use cholesterol to replace them.
Heart Health
According to studies, low levels of magnesium contributes to various heart diseases. Magnesium improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Furthermore, folate reduces homocysteine levels, an amino acid found in the blood that is acquired mostly from eating. An increased level of homocysteine is considered an independent risk factor for heart disease.
Digestive Health
The insoluble dietary fiber in lentils are known to effectively regulate the digestive health. It prevents constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.
Weight Loss
Obesity is a condition that is ever increasing in today’s world especially in the West. Consuming lentils is beneficial for weight loss as they are low in calories and contain virtually no fat. Furthermore, they contain fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals that all contributes to weight loss.
Boosts Energy
Lentils contain iron, which is vital in transporting oxygen throughout your body and is key to energy production and metabolism.
Good Source of Protein
Lentils are a good source of vegetarian proteins. It contains 18 grams of protein per cup cooked.
Top 5 Lentil Soup Recipes
Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup.
A delicious, spicy blend of carrots and red lentils. It is packed full of iron and its low fat.
French Lentil Soup.
A soup made with hearty vegetables complemented with French lentils. A recipe to keep you warm in the colder days.
Basic Lentil Soup Recipe.
A recipe that is so filling and flavorful, yet light and vegetarian.
Sausage, Kale, and Lentil Soup.
This soup is hearty and absolutely the best remedy for a cold winter day. A meal in a bowl indeed.
Egyptian Red Lentil Soup.
This quick and easy recipes is loaded with spices that gives a flavorful aroma that you just can’t resist. It is spiced with cumin and turmeric for a light, yet filling meal.
Conclusion
The mild taste of lentils makes it a staple in many diets. They are low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your salads, spreads, crackers, vegetarian dinner plate, and other dishes.
