Lentil Soup (seriously amazing!) (2023)

FAQs

Is lentil soup good for you? ›

If you're wondering if lentil soup is good for you, the answer is yes! Lentils are nutritious, rich in minerals, protein, low in fat, high in fibre (digestive health). They are a terrific vegetarian source of protein with 25% of the calories in lentils attributable to protein.

Lentils are known to be rich in proteins among other nutrients, making them a must-include food in your weight loss diet.

Lentils also contain slow-digesting resistant starch that delays the absorption of carbohydrates with blood sugar-lowering effects, as well as being a source of prebiotics that feeds gut flora to help prevent digestive diseases.

Lentils are a good choice for people with diabetes, since they're high in fiber and a good source of protein. This lentil soup also contains a nutrient superfood: kale. This dark leafy green is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

It can lower cholesterol and protect against diabetes and colon cancer. A daily dose of fiber pushes waste through your digestive system and prevents constipation, too. The potassium, folate, and iron in lentils also provide lots of benefits. Potassium counters the bad effects of salt and lowers blood pressure.

Black Lentils

They take approximately 25 minutes to cook and are the most nutritious variety of lentils. One half cup of uncooked black lentils provides 26g protein, 18g fiber, 100mg calcium, 8mg iron, and 960mg potassium, according to the USDA.

Lentils and beans are rich in soluble fiber, which is the single best carbohydrate to help you burn belly fat. "Soluble fiber forms a thick gel when it binds with water in the body," Tracy said.

They're a secret superfood

And, as noted in the San Francisco Chronicle, a diet high in lentils and other pulses can reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Pulses, such as lentils, can slow digestion and the release of sugars found in starch into the bloodstream, ultimately reducing blood glucose levels, said Duncan. "This slower absorption means you don't experience a spike in glucose.

Do lentils affect hormones? ›

Legumes. Beans and lentils are another type of phytoestrogen-containing food that can lead to estrogen dominance if consumed on a regular basis.

Improve liver function: Lentils contain high amounts of choline, which the liver uses to package fat for distribution throughout the body. Choline helps prevent build-up of fat in the liver, which can lead to a condition known as fatty liver.

Adding Lentils Offers Substantial Benefit to People with Diabetes. ''We found that blood glucose levels decreased between 20 and 30%,'' Dr. Ramdath tells EndocrineWeb, in people who ate meals that incorporated lentils into their starches.

Chana dal has a very low glycemic index of 8 which basically makes it a superfood for diabetics. It is a rich source of protein and fiber which makes it an overall healthy food item. The high fiber content also regulates your blood sugar levels and keeps them in control.

Lentils are frequently cooked with strong spices, which can cause indigestion in some people. Lentils are a good source of potassium, however, too many lentils in the diet can cause hyperkalemia (symptoms may include vomiting, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and difficulty breathing) in people with poor kidney function.

Thanks to the high fiber content, lentils will promote a functioning, happy digestive system that leaves you feeling satisfied—and ahem, regular, according to Poon. "A diet that is rich in fiber can help you maintain bowel health, lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, lose weight, and prevent disease," she says.

Although many anti-inflammatory diets claim that whole grains and pulses — beans, peas and lentils — increase inflammation, research shows otherwise. Pulses are high in fiber and magnesium, and magnesium has been shown to help reduce inflammation.

Black Beluga Lentils

These are the most flavorful lentils around. Black lentils might not be quite as common as the other varieties, but buy them if you can find them. They're small, nearly spherical, and can be mistaken for brown lentils with a darker shade of brown.

Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

Lentils have very similar health benefits as beans, but they have a few advantages. They are lower in phytates than beans. Phytates, decrease the body's ability to absorb micronutrients. In fact, red lentils may have less than 50% of the phytates than some low phytate varieties of corn, wheat, beans, and soybeans.

Do lentils detoxify? ›

Detox Value and Health Benefits of Lentils

Lentils are one of the most nutritious foods that cleanse the liver. In fact, their detox properties aren't the best thing about this particular legume. Health benefits of lentils include but aren't limited to: Protection from cancer.

Choose lentils instead of rice when seeking higher protein content or higher fiber content. Brown rice has 4.52 g of protein and 3.5 g of fiber per 1-cup serving, while lentils have 17.86 g of protein and 15.6 g of fiber for only 12 more calories per serving.

Like beans, lentils also contain FODMAPs. These sugars may contribute to excessive gas production and bloating, especially in people with IBS ( 8 ). However, soaking or spouting the lentils before you eat them can make them much easier on the digestive system ( 6 ).

Chicken breast has 244% more protein than lentil - chicken breast has 31g of protein per 100 grams and lentil has 9g of protein.

Canada is the largest lentil producer in the world with 3,233,800 tonnes production volume per year. India comes second with 1,055,536 tonnes yearly production.

Burn more calories than you eat or drink. Eat more veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, and low-fat or fat-free dairy; and keep meat and poultry lean. Limit empty calories, like sugars and foods with little or no nutritional value. Avoid fad diets because the results don't last.

Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ). Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best.

Are lentils good for your brain? ›

Loaded with B vitamin folate, lentils have a reputation for strengthening brain power. Folate also decreases amino acid levels, which often contribute to impaired functioning of the mind.

Soy beans, cereals and lentils contain estrogen-like compounds that counteract the effects of a common breast. Of the more than 200,000 American women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, two thirds will have one of the most common forms that are fueled by the hormone estrogen.

Onions have sulfur-containing amino acids, which aid in detoxing your liver.

Look for “whole grain,” “whole wheat,” “sprouted grain,” and “high fiber” on package labels. Choose foods with at least three grams of dietary fiber and fewer than eight grams of sugar per serving.

Oatmeal for fiber

Whole-grain, fiber-rich foods like oatmeal are associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD-related diseases. Studies have shown that a nutritious diet rich in high fiber foods like oats is effective for those with NAFLD and may help reduce triglyceride levels.

Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

Lentils have very similar health benefits as beans, but they have a few advantages. They are lower in phytates than beans. Phytates, decrease the body's ability to absorb micronutrients. In fact, red lentils may have less than 50% of the phytates than some low phytate varieties of corn, wheat, beans, and soybeans.

Lentils are a nutritious choice

They are also naturally low in fat and sodium (salt). Lentils are considered a plant-based protein. Canada's Food Guide recommends choosing more plant-based proteins to help prevent diseases like heart disease and cancer. Dried lentils have no sodium (salt) but canned lentils often do.

Lentils are an excellent source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They're also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Do lentils spike blood sugar? ›

Pulses, such as lentils, can slow digestion and the release of sugars found in starch into the bloodstream, ultimately reducing blood glucose levels, said Duncan. "This slower absorption means you don't experience a spike in glucose.

Adding Lentils Offers Substantial Benefit to People with Diabetes. ''We found that blood glucose levels decreased between 20 and 30%,'' Dr. Ramdath tells EndocrineWeb, in people who ate meals that incorporated lentils into their starches.

They're a great source of iron, especially for vegetarians. One cup (198 grams) of cooked lentils contains 6.6 mg, which is 37% of the DV ( 16 ). Beans like black beans, navy beans, and kidney beans can all help easily bump up your iron intake.

Perhaps considered to be the healthiest variety of beans on the shelves of your local grocery store is the garbanzo bean. Particularly high in fiber, iron, and protein, garbanzo beans are a great bean of choice for reducing your risk of heart disease, as studies have found.

When it comes to nutrition, lentils have a leg up on chickpeas in most areas . Lentils have fewer calories and carbohydrates, more fiber and protein, and greater amounts of iron, vitamins B6 and B9, and phosphorous.

When it comes to cooking lentils on the stove (for use in other recipes) opt for green lentils, Lentils de Puy, brown lentils or black lentils. Red lentils are best reserved for soups, dals and curries as they'll easily become mushy.

Although many anti-inflammatory diets claim that whole grains and pulses — beans, peas and lentils — increase inflammation, research shows otherwise. Pulses are high in fiber and magnesium, and magnesium has been shown to help reduce inflammation.

A common concern with canned lentils is the high sodium content used to preserve the lentils. The best way to deal with the issue of sodium is to be sure that you rinse your canned lentils under running water – this will remove up to 60 per cent of the sodium content.

Dried Lentils vs.

Canned lentils can certainly be used as a quick alternative, but look for varieties with low sodium content, and be sure to rinse them well before use. Because lentils are so quick and easy to cook, using dried lentils is preferable and much more inexpensive to use as well.

Like beans, lentils also contain FODMAPs. These sugars may contribute to excessive gas production and bloating, especially in people with IBS ( 8 ). However, soaking or spouting the lentils before you eat them can make them much easier on the digestive system ( 6 ).

Are lentils good for hair growth? ›

Lentils:

Lentils are full of folic acid. Folic acid is necessary in restoring the health of red blood cells that supply skin and scalp with much-needed oxygen. Folic acid is also essential for hair growth and cell renewal. If you are serious about having healthy hair, lentils are something you should just not skip.

Choose lentils instead of rice when seeking higher protein content or higher fiber content. Brown rice has 4.52 g of protein and 3.5 g of fiber per 1-cup serving, while lentils have 17.86 g of protein and 15.6 g of fiber for only 12 more calories per serving.