What are lentils?
Lentils are edible legumes that belong to the family of plants known as pulses. They are small, lens-shaped seeds and come in various colors such as green, brown, red, and yellow. Lentils are a staple food in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region. They are valued for their high protein content, making them an important source of protein, especially for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Lentils are one of the oldest cultivated legumes, so it’s no surprise that Lentils have become an integral part of our diet around the world. Lentils add a high amount of fibre and protein in our diet. They are also faster to cook due to their smaller size compared to beans as they do not have to be soaked before cooking. Lentils are highly versatile and inexpensive, which makes them highly selected form of high-quality protein.
Lentils Protein Value:
Lentils are renowned for their high protein content, making them an excellent source of plant-based protein. With approximately 18 grams of protein per 1-cup serving, lentils provide a significant portion of daily protein requirements. This protein in lentils, commonly referred to as dal protein, is not only abundant but also of high quality, containing essential amino acids necessary for bodily functions. Whether consumed as a standalone dish or incorporated into various recipes, lentils offer a nutritious boost to any meal. Additionally, the protein in lentils is complemented by other beneficial nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, further enhancing their nutritional value. As a result, lentils are a popular choice for individuals seeking to increase their protein intake while enjoying a delicious and versatile ingredient in their diet.
Exports of Organic Lentils have steadily increased with the rise of lentil suppliers. Organic Products India is one of the leading suppliers of Organic & Conventional Lentils. They are the pioneers among organic products manufacturers in India. Let’s take a look at their nutritional breakdown. They are affordable and easy to cook and extremely healthy too. One bowl of lentils contains around 230 calories, 18 grams of proteins, 1 gram of fat and 16 grams of fibre. Whenever you add this legume to diet you can count on:
- Fibre: Lentils consists of both soluble and insoluble fibre which helps stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol. Which helps reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.
- Protein: Protein helps us keep our stomach full and helps us to provide energy all day. Proteins are essential for building muscles as they help in wear in tear of muscles.
- Energy:Lentils are one of the best sources of slow-burning energy, thanks to it’s a mix of fibre and complex carbohydrates.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Lentils consist of many vitamins & minerals which are very beneficial to humans. For example, Magnesium content in lentils helps the body carry more oxygen which in turn keeps us energized and helps keep us healthy blood flow.
Lentils Nutritional Value:
Lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a rich source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. A 100-gram serving of lentils provides around 9 grams of protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans. They are also high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, lentils are packed with iron, folate, and potassium, contributing to better heart health and energy production. Low in fat and calories, lentils are a nutrient-dense food that supports overall well-being, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
Following are the Types of Lentils and Benefits of Lentils:
- Black-eyed peas: One cup of Black-eyed peas have nutrients worth a Caesar salad! The black-eyed peas contain 198 calories & 1 gram of fat is also present that is completely healthy and is needed in one’s daily diet. Black Eyed Peas is also very famous for having fibres that are able of controlling the cholesterol level of heart patients and diseases. Black Eyed Peas have high sodium content as well, which helps manage the bodily balance, apart from being an essential thing in a balanced diet.
- Chickpeas: Chickpeas are one of the most commonly consumed diets in India that have eventually found its place in the UK as well. This type of cereal is high on protein intake and is also trusted by the bodybuilders who are vegetarian. Chickpeas contain thiamine, folate and healthy fats. They are also known as Bengal gram. Organic Products India is one of the leading chickpeas suppliers India.
- Brown chickpeas: These types of chickpeas are dark brown in colour and smaller in size than the yellow chickpeas. One-half cup of brown chickpeas has around 360 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 60 grams of carbohydrates, 17 grams of fibre and 19 grams of protein. Brown chickpeas add huge value to the soups made in sickness. Not just that, they can also be eaten raw or a little boiled too.
- (Chana Dal) Split chickpeas: Chana Dal contains soluble fibre and vital way to obtain manganese, copper, protein, folate, supplement B1, phosphorus, supplement B5 and potassium. Split chickpeas are used in making of eatables in India due to its taste. They are also one of the main bases of taste inducing agents in many dishes. Split chickpeas have high protein and also vitamin contents as the basic necessity. Vitamins and minerals content that is present in Split Chickpeas are very vital for diabetic patients as well, as they have almost no sugar level yet give the energy needed.
- Whole Moong Beans: Whole moong beans are one of those legumes which have an amazing flavour and are sold fresh, as seedlings or as peas. Whole moong beans are not as popular in the US compared to India but they can be bought from most shops. Moong legumes are rich in nutritional supplements. This is that type of lentil which leaves a person content even with a handful of consumption of the same. These legumes are high in taste, and again, a basic of every staple diet of Indians.
- Moong Dal (Small green lentils): When you divide a whole Moong vegetable, you get Moong Dal. This little green-coloured lentil is what’s within whole Moong (green lentil). The green lentils nutrition profile boasts high levels of protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making them a wholesome addition to any diet. Moong Dal has an amazing and natural taste and firm-tender structure. They are also called yellow-green lentils based on the color that they have.
- Split pigeon peas (Toor Dal): Toor Dal is suitable for sauces, Indian dal or in curries, where these type of peas have been used as the main ingredient for almost centuries. As they do not have a safety cover, they take less time to prepare. Toor Dal is excellent as a stand-alone part plate, thrown in soups, contributes heartiness to sauces and soups and excellent for pureeing.
- Kidney beans: Raw kidney beans contain high quantities of nutritional values, and therefore are more harmful compared to most other vegetable types if they are not pre-soaked and consequently warmed to the steaming factor for at least 10 minutes. Beans may get a bad rap to make people gassy, but that doesn’t mean you cut them out of your diet plan. Nutritionists suggest that you should eat up to 3 glasses of the beans a week as they are beneficial for your overall health.
- Red Lentils: Peas may be the earliest harvested legume in the record. Even though they are small in size, lentils are a healthy all-star. They have a huge amount of fibres and contain about a steak's worth of protein‚ - making them healthy meats alternative for vegetarians. They are also full of vitamin b, folic acid, metal, phosphorus, mineral magnesium, zinc oxide, and blood potassium.
- Whole black lentils: These Lentils mineral magnesium places yet another plus in the line of its beneficial heart effects. Magnesium is Natural own calcium mineral route blocker. The black lentils nutrition profile boasts high levels of protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making them a wholesome addition to any diet. When enough mineral magnesium is around, blood vessels and bloodstream take in a sigh of relief and rest, which reduces the level of resistance and increases the blood circulation, fresh air and also are value addition throughout the body.
Organic Products India is an organization that specializes in manufacturing and exporting a variety of organic food products like seeds, spices, grains, dry fruits, and pulses. With Organic Products India, you will get access to a wide variety of organic products like organic amaranth seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, psyllium, black cumin seeds, yellow mustard seeds, black mustard seeds, organic sesame seeds, pulses, grains, herbs and a lot more.
FAQs:
1) What are the different types of lentils available?
There are various types of lentils, including green lentils, red lentils, brown lentils, black lentils (also known as beluga lentils), and French lentils (also known as Puy lentils).
2) What is the nutritional value of green lentils?
Green lentils are rich in protein, fiber, folate, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly known for their high protein content, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.
3) What are the nutritional benefits of lentils?
The nutritional benefits of lentils are numerous. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. Lentils are also rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
4) How do black lentils contribute to a healthy diet?
Black lentils, also known as beluga lentils, are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. Their small size and dense texture make them ideal for salads, pilafs, and hearty soups.
