Types of Lentils
There are only five main types of lentils.
Red
The benefit of red lentils lies in the high content of iron and potassium, which give it such an unusual shade. This cereal promotes intellectual activity and is very quickly and easily prepared due to the absence of a shell.
Yellow
These are ordinary lentil beans, peeled from the outer dense shell. They contain fiber, are quick to prepare, and help people who need to lower their blood sugar levels.
Green
These are the same beans, but in the shell, as a rule, they are also slightly unripe. Green lentils contain much more fiber, and they themselves are considered the healthiest type of this grain.
Brown
These are ordinary traditional lentils, packages of which are most often found on store shelves.
It is nutritious, rich in protein and contains, although to a slightly lesser extent, all the other microelements that are part of this cereal. Among them are iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium and many others.
Black
These lentils are also called Asian lentils. It is popular almost exclusively in China, Vietnam and India and completely retains its shape and appearance when cooked.
These lentils look very beautiful on a dish, resembling tiny black pearls, which is why they are often used in gourmet dishes. It also has high nutritional value.
In addition, sprouted lentils are used for food.
Sprouted lentil cereals
The benefit of sprouted lentils lies, first of all, in the increased content of vitamin C. Therefore, this consumption of lentils is most useful for people who have problems with immunity.
For preventive purposes, everyone can eat it regularly, but then large portions should not be used. 50 g per day will be more than enough.
Benefit
For the body
- Almost all legumes contain many nutrients. Lentils have the same properties, but do not irritate the digestive organs like peas or beans.
- Another important property can be safely called helping the intestines remove toxins and combating constipation without unnecessary gas formation. Due to the high fiber content, the intestines contract more actively.
- The vitamins in lentils also provide benefits. The presence of nicotinic acid helps to absorb the vitamin C necessary for the body, although it itself is not present in the fruit.
- Collaborating with iron salts and magnesium, thiamine has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and nervous system, stimulates hematopoiesis, metabolic processes and improves the functioning of the digestive organs.
- Thanks to regular consumption of lentil seeds, blood quality improves, iron stimulates the production of hemoglobin, and maintains the required level of red blood cells.
- The absence of cholesterol is useful in preventing stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis.
- One of the properties of folic acid is its anti-cancer effect.
- It is worth noting the benefits for the reproductive system and endocrine riboflavin, which is present in the composition. For prevention, not only lentil dishes are often used, but also decoction or sprouted seeds. They are low in calories and contain large amounts of ascorbic acid. It is a good source of protein, healthy carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
When losing weight
Lentils are an excellent product for weight loss due to the fiber in their composition, relatively low calorie content, and a set of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, those who monitor their health and weight often include lentils in their diet.
Dishes prepared from this product help you quickly feel full and not feel hungry for a long time. Thanks to its fibrous structure, it, like a brush, cleans out toxins and undigested residues. It can cleanse the body of toxins or radionuclides. Lentils will be useful not only as a satiating product, but also as a health booster. Protein will help maintain muscle mass during periods of weight loss. Even those on a strict diet will benefit from dietary fiber, which will make the intestines work more actively.
Watch the video! Sprouted grains for health
For men
To maintain men's health and in the treatment of sexual problems, lentils will be useful due to their anti-inflammatory properties and positive effect on the heart and blood vessels. Lentil dishes and its decoction are used as medicines for prostatitis and erectile dysfunction, as a prophylactic against oncology and inflammation.
However, misuse can cause harm. Do not neglect traditional treatment and follow the doctor’s instructions, do not use the dish as a panacea. Men who are watching their weight and who play sports professionally will find it useful as a source of protein.
For women and children
Legumes contain B vitamins and compounds that affect the female body in the same way as hormones. Phytoestrogens help:
- ease the course of menopause,
- restore blood pressure levels,
- equalizes heart rate,
- support mood and emotional state,
- reduce the number and depth of tides,
- protect the body from the action of cancer cells.
Lentils also help maintain muscle tone and control weight.
The amino acid tryptophan in the seeds helps relieve menstruation, stabilize mood during PMS, after childbirth, during pregnancy and menopause.
Can a woman who is breastfeeding eat it and how can this affect the baby? This type of legume, unlike its counterparts, practically does not cause allergies and increased gas formation. Lentils in moderate doses will benefit the body. She will help:
- cleanse the body
- fill it with energy,
- will replenish the required amount of nutrients,
- will support digestion,
- will help prevent anemia,
- maintains good condition of hair and nails,
- improves the quality of breast milk.
When breastfeeding and feeding children over one year of age, lentils will help maintain muscle tone and strengthen bones. It is also used externally, mixing floured fruits with oil, as an anti-inflammatory and soothing agent for sensitive baby skin.
For whom are lentils healthiest?
Eating this grain will be beneficial for everyone, from children to the elderly, but traditionally, lentils are largely considered a women’s grain, which has a positive effect on the health of girls.
Lentil cutlets
Lentil cutlets are an original and healthy dish that can be tasty and satisfying to feed the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 215 g lentils;
- 3-4 onions;
- 115 g semolina;
- spices to taste.
Preparation:
- Soak the lentils in water, and then grind the beans through a meat grinder.
- Finely chop the onions and saute until golden in a frying pan with oil.
- We add the vegetables to the lentils and once again pass the beans and onions through a meat grinder.
- Season the resulting minced meat with seasonings, make cutlets from it and fry in oil until golden brown.
- Serve the dish with buckwheat, sauerkraut or any other side dish.
Lentils for pregnant and lactating women
The first thing that lentils are useful for in this case is that it allows you to maintain the balance of iron in the body, and therefore anemia does not develop, even if the pregnant woman initially had problems with hemoglobin.
In addition, the trace elements it contains contribute to the proper development of the fetus. In case of pregnancy, this cereal is almost certainly healthy and should be in the diet of every pregnant mother.
Despite the abundance of active elements, lentils themselves are not “aggressive”, and therefore they can be introduced into the diet of a nursing woman, and then a small child. This will also be useful and will only improve the quality of mother’s milk and allow the baby to receive more substances necessary for growth and development.
But at the same time, lentils should be added to complementary foods no earlier than the child turns 8 months old, and if he has intestinal problems, it is better to avoid it altogether.
Contraindications and harm
Lentil dishes are consumed by athletes, vegetarians and those who care about their figure and health. They will bring relief to people with diseases of the genitourinary system, diabetics, and patients with atherosclerosis.
But some people should stop using it. These are people with dysbiosis or inflammation of the intestines, gout, and urolithiasis. Some people experience individual intolerance. Therefore, for all its beneficial and tasty qualities, it is necessary to consume lentils in moderation.
Watch the video! Lentil soup
Losing weight with lentils
The benefits of lentils for weight loss are as follows:
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- It is absolutely low-calorie. 100 g of product contains no more than 110-120 kcal, depending on the type of lentil chosen.
- Slow carbohydrates and fiber take a long time to digest, and a person can maintain a feeling of fullness almost all day.
- Coarse fiber is good for both the oral cavity and the intestines, it helps cleanse it.
That is why many in the process of losing weight choose lentils as one of the main parts of their diet.
