Lentils Amazing Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts - Culinary & Medicinal Uses

Lentils are a type of bean, or pulse, that probably originated in India. There are a huge range of types and species and lentils range in color from yellow to orange, green to brown and even black.

Lentils also come in a wide variety of sizes, though the small green, yellow/orange and red varieties are the types most commonly available. All the varieties are relatively rich in protein, which represents about around 25% percent of the weight of lentils. Lentils are also relatively rich in vegetable fiber and have a fabulous array of nutrients and minerals. In many ways lentils are a super food, but they are often neglected.

The small seeds require about 10 to 40 minutes cooking but are used in a wide variety of dishes throughout South Asia, West Asia and many countries around the Mediterranean region. Lentils are relatively inexpensive and this adds to their appeal as a super food throughout the world. Many people don't realise how value they are.

This article summaries the nutritional and health benefits of lentils in comparisons with a range of beans and seeds including: chickpeas (garbanzo beans), kidney beans, lima beans, mung beans, navy beans, peanuts (raw), peas (split), soybeans (raw).

Three common varieties of lentils
Three common varieties of lentils. Source: Public Domain

Lentils are a Rich Source of Vegetable Protein

With almost 30% of their caloriesderived from protein and 25% of their weight as pure vegetable protein, lentils are third in the highest level protein, by weight, of any nut, seed or legume. Soybeans and hemp and the only seed with higher amounts of protein.

Importantly lentils and the least expensive source protein in many parts of the world, particularly Indian, Pakistan and West Asia. Lentils lack two essential amino acids - cysteine and methionine, and so vegans should be aware of this and find sources for these amino acids in other vegetables. Nevertheless lentils are a wonderful source of vegetable protein.

Key Nutrients in Lentils

The table below summarizes the nutrients in 100 g of dry lentils. The table below compares the nutrients in lentils with a range of other beans and peas (all for a standard 100g). The key features are:

High Calories, Very Low Fat, No Cholesterol

A serving of 100 g of lentils contains 360 calories. But this is for dry seeds and 100 g of lentils is a very large serving. However more than 30% of the calories are derived from protein, which is slow release. But the fat content is very low - only 1 g, and there is no saturated fat. Low-fat foods are good for the heart and the circulation. 

Carbohydrates and Dietary Fiber

Lentils have about 20 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of dietary fiber. The carbohydrate is the slow release type and the high protein and fiber content tends to slow down the digestion rate, which tends to postpone feelings of hunger that you can get from eating highly processed carbohydrate in biscuits, bread and cakes.

Vitamins in Lentils

The 180 micrograms of folate per 100g serving in much higher than in many other beans and many vegetables. Lentils are moderately rich in Vitamin C, second only to soybeans (see the table below). Most of the B group vitamins are high in lentils.

Minerals

Lentils are also relatively rich in iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium.

Nutrition Data for Lentils (100g dry lentils)

Lentils, raw ( 100 g dry weight)
Values
Energy
1,477 kJ (350 Cals)
Carbohydrates
60 g
# as sugars
2 g
# as Dietary Fiber
31 g
Fat
1 g
Protein
26 g
Vitamins
 
Folate (vit. B9)
479 mcg (120%)
Niacin (vit. B3)
2.605 mg (17%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)
2.120 mg (42%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)
0.211 mg (18%)
Thiamine (vit. B1)
0.87 mg (76%)
Vitamin B6
0.54 mg (42%)
Vitamin C
4.4 mg (5%)
Minerals
 
Calcium
56 mg (6%)
Iron
7.54 mg (58%)
Magnesium
122 mg (34%)
Phosphorus
451 mg (64%)
Potassium
955 mg (20%)
Sodium
6 mg (0%)
Zinc
4.78 mg (50%)

Known Health Benefits of Lentils

Regulation of Blood Sugar 

The high fiber, high protein tends to slow the release of carbohydrate from food avoiding high sugar spikes in blood sugar bloods. Lentils are a low-glycemic food, that play a role in appetite control and may help prevent type 2 diabetes from developing.

Bone Health

Lentils are a rich source of lysine, an amino acid which promotes healthy bones. It has been shown to assist the processes for the absorption of calcium. 

Aid to Digestion

One serving of lentils yields about 20% of the recommended adult intake of fiber. This helps maintain regular bowel movements and may also help relieve various symptoms of poor digestion.

Weight Loss

The Low GI, high protein and high fiber in lentils means that eating lentils will prolong the sense of satiety and reduce the risk that dieters will eat snacks between meals. 

Heart and Blood Circulation

Eating lentils and other beans as a replacement or 'dilution' for meat helps maintain heart health in several ways. Lentils contain no cholesterol and much lower amounts of fat for the calories eaten. There is no saturated fat in lentils. Dietary fiber in the diet also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and risks of stroke. The folic acid and the magnesium found in lentils is also good for heart health and helps maintain circulation. 

Tips for Cooking Lentils

Don't overcook lentils or they will become soft and mushy. This means taking precautions when adding them to soups, curries and stews. Lentils generally take 25-35 minutes to cook, so delay adding them to the end of the cooking period.

Culinary Uses for Lentils

Lentils are perfect for making soups, stews, curries and casseroles. They work best when they are added to other ingredients. Adding a hand full of lentils to a soup or stew boosts the nutrients and adds to flavor and texture, especially if they are not overcooked.

Tips and Suggestions on how you can use more lentils in various dishes:

Great Lentil Recipes to Try

=> Best Lentil Recipes | Easy, Healthy, Nutritious Uses for Lentils

=> Mujadara Recipes - Authentic Lebanese Mujadara with Rice, Lentils, Onions

Nutrient Comparison for Lentils Compared with other Beans and Pulses

Serving Size 100g
Lentils
chick peas
kidney beans
lima beans, large
mung beans
navy beans
peanuts, raw
peas, split
soybeans, raw
Calories (kcal)
116
163
127
115
105
140
568
118
445
Protein (g)
9.02
8.87
8.67
7.8
7.02
8.23
25.78
8.34
36.49
Total Fat (g)
0.38
2.59
0.5
0.38
0.38
0.62
49.24
0.39
19.94
Total Carbs (g)
20.13
27.41
22.8
20.88
19.15
25.46
16.12
21.1
30.15
Dietary Fiber (g)
7.88
7.56
6.44
7.02
7.62
10.55
8.47
8.27
9.25
Sugar (g)
1.8
4.8
0.32
2.9
2
0.37
3.99
2.9
7.33
Vitamins
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vitamin C (mg)
1.52
1.34
1.24
0
0.99
0.88
0
0.41
6.02
Thiamin (mg)
0.17
0.12
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.24
0.64
0.19
0.87
Riboflavin (mg)
0.07
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.07
0.13
0.06
0.87
Niacin (mg)
1.06
0.53
0.58
0.42
0.58
0.65
12.07
0.89
1.62
Pantothenic Acid (mg)
0.64
0.29
0.22
0.42
0.41
0.27
1.77
0.59
0.79
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.18
0.14
0.12
0.16
0.07
0.14
0.35
0.05
0.38
Folate (mcg)
180.81
171.95
129.94
82.98
159.41
139.56
239.86
65.31
374.19
Vitamin B12 (mcg)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vitamin A (IU)
8.08
26.83
0
0
23.76
0
0
7.14
21.51
Vitamin E (mg)
0.11
0.35
0.03
0.18
0.15
0.01
8.32
0.03
0.86
Vitamin K (mcg)
1.72
4.02
8.36
2.02
2.67
0.55
0
5
47.1
Minerals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Calcium (mg)
19.19
48.78
35.03
17.02
26.73
69.23
91.71
14.29
277.42
Iron (mg)
3.33
2.89
2.21
2.39
1.4
2.36
4.59
1.29
15.7
Magnesium (mg)
36.36
47.56
41.81
42.55
47.52
52.75
169.31
35.71
279.57
Phosphorus (mg)
179.8
168.29
137.85
110.64
99.01
143.96
377.43
98.98
703.23
Potassium (mg)
368.69
291.46
404.52
508.51
266.34
389.01
705.47
362.24
1797.85
Sodium (mg)
2.02
7.32
1.13
2.13
1.98
0
17.64
2.04
2.15
Zinc (mg)
1.27
1.52
1.01
0.95
0.84
1.03
3.28
1
4.88
Copper (mg)
0.25
0.35
0.22
0.24
0.16
0.21
1.14
0.18
1.66
Manganese (mg)
0.49
1.03
0.43
0.52
0.3
0.53
1.93
0.4
2.52
Selenium (mcg)
2.83
3.66
1.13
4.47
2.48
2.86
7.05
0.61
17.85
Fatty Acids
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Saturated Fat (g)
0.05
0.27
0.07
0.09
0.12
0.1
6.83
0.05
2.88
Monounsat. Fat (g)
0.06
0.58
0.04
0.03
0.05
0.14
24.43
0.08
4.4
Polyunsat. Fat (g)
0.17
1.16
0.27
0.17
0.13
0.49
15.56
0.17
11.26




Lentils are great for making vegan patties for vegetarian burgers
Lentils are great for making vegan patties for vegetarian burgers. Source: Public Domain
Lentils are delicious in all kinds of soups and curries
Lentils are delicious in all kinds of soups and curries. Source: Public Domain
French lentil soup - discover just how healthy lentils are using the charts in this article
French lentil soup - discover just how healthy lentils are using the charts in this article. Source: Public Domain
Lentils are ideally suited as side dishes for curries and many Indian spicy dishes. Their taste and texture complements the other dishes.
Lentils are ideally suited as side dishes for curries and many Indian spicy dishes. Their taste and texture complements the other dishes. Source: Public Domain
Dahl is the classic lentil dish. There are many varieties of dahl using various green red and yellow lentil varieties. See the collection of great recipes
Dahl is the classic lentil dish. There are many varieties of dahl using various green red and yellow lentil varieties. See the collection of great recipes. Source: Public Domain
Lentils are ideal for addition to salads and side dishes. Their soft texture and rich full taste complements the other items in the salad and other dishes.
Lentils are ideal for addition to salads and side dishes. Their soft texture and rich full taste complements the other items in the salad and other dishes. Source: Public Domain
Lentils come in many varieties. Choose the type that best suits the dish you want to prepare. Various types have different properties when cooked
Lentils come in many varieties. Choose the type that best suits the dish you want to prepare. Various types have different properties when cooked. Source: Public Domain
The classic vegan lentil burger is a great way to enjoy all the nutritional benefits of lentils in a tasty way
The classic vegan lentil burger is a great way to enjoy all the nutritional benefits of lentils in a tasty way. Source: Public Domain
Black lentils are one of many unusual varieties that add interest and intrigue to many lentil dishes
Black lentils are one of many unusual varieties that add interest and intrigue to many lentil dishes. Source: Public Domain