Benefits of Lentils

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Lentils might be some of the world’s most perfect foods: they’re affordable, healthy and delicious. Here are the benefits of lentils, and a few recipes!

Lentils are a powerhouse food! Not only are these legumes delicious, they’re healthy, affordable, and a shelf-stable plant-based protein. Want to learn more about what makes lentils so great? Here are the main benefits of lentils!

Top benefits of lentils! Lentils…

1. Are packed with plant-based protein.

Lentils have a large amount of plant-based protein. 1 cup of cooked lentils has about 24 grams of protein.

2. Are a good source of fiber.

Lentils are are also a good source of fiber. 1 cup of cooked lentils also has 10 grams of fiber.

3. Are low in fat.

Lentils have virtually no saturated fat. In 1 cup of cooked lentils, there’s 1 gram of fat.

4. May protect against heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more.

According to Harvard Medical School, legumes have lots of additional health benefits. Scientific studies have linked a diet high in legumes with a lower risk of developing diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and strokes.

5. Are affordable.

Lentils are a seriously affordable protein. Depending on the store and region, 1 pound of lentils costs about $1 to $3.

6. Are shelf-stable⁠—for years.

A nice feature to lentils is that you can stock up on them for years! Stored at room temperature in a closed container, lentils can last 2 to 3 years!

7. Are better for the environment than meat.

What do lentils have to do with the planet? More than you may think. A recent New York Times article covered Food and Climate Change and indicated that the world’s food system is responsible for about ¼ of the planet-warming greenhouse gases. The chart in the article shows the difference between beef and lentils (grouped under Beans). Beef accounts for 40 times more greenhouse gases than lentils.