Healthy Lentils

Having a simple bowl of lentil soup can be nutritious as well as delicious. Although termed as peasant food because of its cost effectiveness, lentils can virtually provide you with almost all forms of nutrition. People on a vegetarian diet benefit enormously from the iron present within the lentils.

Proteins- It is also enormously rich in proteins and can provide you with an equal amount of protein normally obtained from animal products. Although rich in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, lentils lack isoleucine and lysine. This can be easily taken care of by eating lentils with brown rice or any other form of protein rich grain.

Fibers- Adopting lentils in your daily diet will help to protect your heart by lowering the blood cholesterol levels. The soluble fibers present in the lentils can also lower your blood pressure apart from keeping your digestive system healthy. Another important fact about lentil is that it can promote weight loss too. A source of high proteins and fiber lend a feeling of satiety and you will not be tempted to overeat. It is also a good source of Vitamin B as well as some essential minerals.

Recipes- The culinary variety that the lentils provide remains unparalleled too. They are available in a variety of shapes and colors differing only slightly in their texture and taste. The simplest form of cooking lentils is by converting them into a thin, well flavored soup. They can also be added to the Mexican chilli preparation and stews making the volume of the dishseem larger. High protein burgers with lentil stuffing has enormous nutritive value as well. Vegetarians may use lentils as a substitute for meat in tacos, burritos and meat loaves. The flavor and health benefits of the lentil can be maximized by cooking it slowly over a prolonged period of time.