The Goodness of Lentils

Some nutrients facts about Lentils.


Lentils have been found in Egyptian tombs that date from 2400 BC. They also thought that the lentil enlightened the minds of children, making them more cheerful and studious.Lentils are packed with nutrients, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and folic acld. Lentils are a low calorie, low fat, and cholesterol free food.




Folic Acid is one very important nutrient found in lentils. One cup of cooked lentils provides 90% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Lentils provide more folic acid than any other unfortified food. Lentils are also an important source of iron. Eating lentils with foods rich in Vitamin C, such as tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits or juices, helps the body absorb iron more efficiently. Lentils are also protein rich. They lack only one protein, methionine. Adding grains, eggs, nuts, seeds, meat, dairy products, or egg will provide a complete protein. Soluble fiber in lentils acts as a scrub brush, cleaning the digestive system. This type of fiber also decreases serum glucose and cholesterol, and decreases insulin requirements for people with diabetes.


Do not add salt while cooking, it might make it tough.


How to Select and Store


Whether purchasing lentils in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and that the lentils are whole and not cracked.
keep in a cool, dry place. After long storage, the color may fade slightly, but the taste will not be noticeably altered.

My entry to CLICK - Beans and Lentils hosted by Jugalbandi.