7 Healthy Reasons to Add Lentils to Your Diet

There are many great reasons why you should add lentils to your eating plan. Sure, the major reason is because they boast plenty of health benefits. Recently, lentils have become a delicious staple in my eating plan. High in nutrition and low in calories, lentils are a wonderful legume to eat any time of the year. You can use them in your salads or spreads, for crackers and crudité. One of the best things about lentils is that they are perfect for vegetarians. I always choose foods that are quick and easy to cook, and I can say for sure that lentils are incredibly easy to make. When I learnt about their health benefits, I decided to consume lentils on a daily basis. I love their taste and I know I reap all their health benefits. Let me share with you a list of several reasons why you need to add lentils to your diet. Give it a try, you won’t regret!

1. They are good for your heart

Numerous studies have found that consuming high fiber foods like lentils lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease. This is one of the most important reasons to include lentils into your diet. Lentils are high in magnesium and folate, which are huge contributors to your heart health. Magnesium betters blood flow, nutrients and oxygen throughout your body while folate reduces your homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lower magnesium levels have always been directly associated with cardiovascular disease, so consuming lentils will help keep your heart healthy and happy.

2. They are rich in protein

In fact, of all nuts and legumes, lentils have the third-highest levels of essential protein. Around 26% of lentil’s calories are from protein, and it makes them a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. This is one of the best health benefits of lentils that everyone can enjoy.

3. They help reduce cholesterol

Since lentils are packed with soluble fiber, they help to lower blood cholesterol. Reducing your cholesterol levels lowers your risk of stroke as well as cardiovascular disease by keeping the arteries clean. It a sound reason to make lentils for dinner today, don’t you think?

4. Aid weight loss

If you are trying to lose weight, feel free to add lentils to your healthy diet. Even though lentils are high in all the essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins, they’re low in calories and they have no fat. A cup of cooked lentils has around 230 calories, however, they will leave you feeling satisfied and full.

5. Help stabilize blood sugar levels

Lentils help stabilize your blood sugar levels and it’s another reason to eat them more often. Soluble fiber in lentils traps carbs, slowing down your digestion and absorption process, and stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Eating lentils can be especially good for people with hypoglycemia, diabetes or insulin resistance.

6. Improve digestive health

If you want to improve your digestive health, lentils can help. Insoluble dietary fiber in lentils can prevent constipation and some other digestive problems such as diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

7. Energy booster

Due to their fiber and complex carbs, lentils help boost your energy level. Lentils are also rich in iron that carries oxygen to every part of the body and is important for your metabolism and energy production. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee and those unhealthy snacks, try eating lentils and you will be happy with the results.

Nutty in flavor, lentils contain a high nutritional value that you can easily benefit from by adding them to your diet. Do you like lentils? What is your favorite way to eat them?

Source: http://womanitely.com/healthy-reasons-add-lentils-to-your-diet/