What are lentils? Health benefits of lentils

Lentils are one of the most popular beans in the world, because they contain many nutrients and are good for health. However, in Vietnam, many people may be unfamiliar with this type of bean, refer to the article below to know what lentils are and how they work .

What are lentils?

Lentils are in the same family with other legumes such as green beans, red beans, white beans, peas, etc. Each fruit has about 1-2 seeds, the beans are round or heart-shaped or flat or oval, with many Colors and sizes vary from red, blue, yellow, black, brown.

Lentils are rich in nutrients, high in fiber and low in complex carbohydrates , and have a long shelf life. Used as an ingredient for many dishes such as soup, salad dressing, bone stew, tea and many other dishes.

Types of lentils

Lentils are a type of bean that is widely grown in West Asia. Currently, lentils are widely grown in Afghanistan, Ethiopia and some Mediterranean countries. Lentils are classified into the following categories:

Green lentils

Slightly pale in color, green lentils have a pungent flavor like black pepper. In processing, green lentils take longer to cook than other beans (up to 40 minutes). Often used to prepare salads, porridge, soups, curries, … or stews.

Red lentils

Used to prepare Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. Red lentils are true to their name, usually orange or light red in color. It does not take much time to cook like green lentils, red lentils cook quickly, soft and easy to puree.

Yellow lentils

The characteristic color is lemon yellow, with a bright color that looks eye-catching. Yellow lentils are usually sweeter than red lentils and take only 10-15 minutes to cook. Often used to cook tea, cool water, …

Brown lentils

Beans are commonly used in Indian meals. Brown lentils take 20-30 minutes to cook. Once ripe, brown lentils have a nutty aroma. Often used whole seeds during processing.

Puy lentils

With a slightly bluish grayish brown color. Puy lentils originate from Le Puy region of France, the size is only 1/3 of green lentils. In addition, due to the volcanic region, Puy lentils in this area often have a spicy taste.

Beluga lentils

Similar in shape and size to Beluga caviar, Beluga lentils are also popular because of their higher protein content than green, red or Puy lentils. Despite their attractive and beautiful appearance, Beluga lentils are very fragile when cooked. With a cooking time of up to 20 minutes and a slightly spicy flavor.

Effects of lentils

Lentils are a rich source of potassium

Potassium makes up 25% of the nutritional content in lentils, plays an important role in blood pressure regulation, muscle development, and maintaining the health of the brain and nervous system.

Lentils help prevent cardiovascular diseases

According to Medical News Today, lentils contain high levels of soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels, when cholesterol levels decrease, it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Lentils also contain high levels of folate, magnesium helps maintain heart health, magnesium improves blood circulation to the heart.

Lentils are good for the digestive system

Because lentils have a high fiber content that helps prevent constipation and digestive disorders, adding lentils to your diet will help your digestive system stay healthy and work better.

There are other extremely good foods for people with digestive disorders that you need to pay attention to for good health.

Lentils support weight loss

Lentils contain a lot of protein, vitamins and minerals, high in fiber and low in calories, eating lentils will give you a feeling of fullness for longer, limiting your appetite, thereby helping to lose weight effectively.

Losing weight is not a simple thing, please refer to this apple weight loss menu for an effective weight loss program.

Lentils help prevent cancer

Lentils contain plant lectins that are capable of causing toxicity to cancer cells, preventing the growth of cancer cells.

Lentils help stabilize blood sugar

Soluble fiber in lentils helps prevent carbohydrates, stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent diabetes, lentils are very good for people with diabetes.

Lentils are good for nerves

Lentils contain folic acid (folate) which plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters, which help in enhancing the function of the nervous system.

Folic acid also helps pregnant women supplement the most important nutrients during pregnancy, ensuring healthy brain development and avoiding neural tube defects, preventing spina bifida for the fetus.

So what are you waiting for, take a look at the delicious dishes made from lentils to prepare nutritious dishes for yourself and your family!

Where to buy lentils?

Lentils can be purchased at grocery stores, or at markets. However, to ensure quality and avoid poor quality products, it is recommended to buy at supermarkets, stores with large systems, clear expiry dates, reputable brands to buy.

Currently, Tnhelearning.edu.vn also sells green lentils and red lentils, please refer to below:

• TMT Foods split red lentils 500g package is currently priced at 68,000 VND.

• TMT Foods whole-grain green lentils 500g package is currently priced at 55,000 VND.

Hope this article helps you learn more useful information about lentils. Add lentils to your family’s diet right away, it’s very good for your health.

Source: Medical News Today

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