Lentils are pulses, the dried seeds of legumes. They come in several colors and can be whole or split, with the latter tending to dissolve while cooking. Nutritionally, they are a good source of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. They score low on the glycemic index, making them suitable for those with type 2 diabetes. Lentils also have benefits for gut health, the immune system, weight loss, and preventing cancer. Compared to animal proteins, they emit far lower levels of greenhouse gasses. Dry lentils can be stored in the pantry for up to a year, while cooked lentils freeze well. Culinarily, lentils are good in soups, stews and casseroles, and also work well as taco fillings, in veggie burgers, and on salads.
Key Takeaways:
- Lentils are pulses that come in a variety of colors and can be whole or split.
- Eating lentils won’t spike blood glucose levels, making them beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes.
- The greenhouse gas emissions of lentils are 10-20 times lower than that of animal products.
“Thanks to a neat trick that lentils (like all legumes) perform with the help of bacteria that live on their root nodules, they can also restore the fertility of overused soil and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
Read more: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/lentil-benefits-and-uses/
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