Nutritional Information for Lentils
Lentils are part of the legume family. They are easily found year-round and can be purchased fresh, frozen or canned and are often put in salads and soups. Lentils are also high in many different types of nutrients.
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Protein
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Lentils are high in protein, which provides us with energy and nutrients to build muscle mass. One cup of lentils contains 35% of our daily protein requirement.
Fiber
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Lentils, like most other beans, are loaded with fiber. One serving of lentils (about one cup) has nearly eight grams of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, both of which are needed for a healthy digestive system. Because the fiber content of lentils is so high, they can help prevent many digestive illnesses such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Minerals
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Lentils also contain important minerals such as iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. These minerals all play a healthy role in maintaining energy, a strong nervous system and a properly working metabolism.
Vitamins
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Lentils contain a lot of vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy nervous system, lowers bad cholesterol and increases energy levels. One serving of lentils provides 18% of our daily requirement of vitamin B. Lentils are also packed with folate, which is particularly important for pregnant women to decrease the chances of giving birth to children with birth defects. Folate is also good for heart health, muscle health and metabolic health.
Fat and Calories
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One serving of lentils contains only one gram of fat and about 200 calories.
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