Most people can enjoy lentils as part of their regular diet without any concern. But lentils also contain natural compounds called anti-nutrients. These substances bind with nutrients like iron and zinc, making them harder for our bodies to absorb. Soaking and cooking lentils can help reduce this effect.

Horse Gram has a distinct flavor and unique texture that makes it ideal for dals, soups, curries, and stir-fries. You can also roast the seeds, mix them with other herbs, then grind them into a fine powder. Chances are you haven’t heard of molybdenum, but I will wager that you had to sound it out a couple times (let me help you: “muh-LIB-duh-num”). Moylbdenum is an essential trace mineral and happens to be wildly abundant in our pal, the lentil. It is found first in the soil where we grow our food and water, so healthy soil and groundwater is essential for healthy plants that contain good amounts of this stuff. In our bodies it is stored in the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands bones, and skin, but it is present in some amount in all of our tissues. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lentils are one of the best food sources for potassium. Some lentils, such as split orange lentils, cook within 5 minutes and are great when you want to prepare a last-minute meal or bulk up an already-cooked meal ( 27).

Black Beluga Lentils

Not only does fiber have links to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, but it might slow the progression of the disease in high risk individuals. If you’re trying to minimize the number of lectins in your diet, try soaking lentils overnight and discarding the water before cooking them. Tannins In the cases where soaking is optional, if you soak the pulses, it will reduce the cooking time. The cooking time I’ve mentioned is for unsoaked pulses where soaking is optional and for soaked pulses where soaking is recommended before cooking.

Brewer’s lentil is considered to have a similar cooking time with rice. And while it retains its shapes even after cooking, you can mash it easily. For this reason, they are perfect for vegetarian burgers and meatloaf. Resources: Lentils are high in protein, which helps build and maintain your muscles, bones and skin. Protein can also help you manage your appetite and support weight loss because it makes you feel fuller than other nutrients. Studies have found that the potassium, calcium, and magnesium in lentils can decrease blood pressure naturally. Foods high in these minerals form a key part of the DASH eating plan. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommend this diet for bringing down blood pressure. Potassium helps counter the bad effects of salt, which can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). Half a cup of cooked split red lentils has more than 270 milligrams of potassium. In Hindi, Horse Gram is known as Kulthi, while in Tamil, it is called Kollu. It is extremely hardy and drought-resistant. This makes it an important food staple.

French Lentils (aka Lentilles du Puy)

Nitrogen is the main ingredient in fertilizer. Legumes are used by farmers as part of a crop rotation to naturally fertilize the soil for other crops Lentils are rich in a type of fiber that helps your digestive system work as it should and fuels good bacteria in your gut. Fiber may also help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Plant based foods often provide a wide range of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and may contain antioxidant properties. Antioxidants work against free radicals, which are compounds in the body that may contribute to inflammation and cancer. Heart health This urad whole white lentil recipe is a simple and easy recipe that calls for mixing the boiled white lentil with masala paste making it flavourful and yummy.