1/4 cup dry (40 g) Sprouted Green Lentils contains approximately 140 calories. Lentils are a great source of nutrition and have been used in many different cultures for centuries. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help to keep the body healthy and strong.
Green lentils are high in protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans who may struggle to get enough protein in their diets. They also contain dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and keeping you feeling full for longer. In addition, they are naturally low in fat, which makes them a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of incorporating sprouted green lentils into your diet and provide tips and suggestions for how to use them in your cooking and meal prep.
High in Protein
Green lentils are an excellent source of protein, with 1/4 cup of dry lentils containing around 10 grams of protein. This makes them a great option for vegetarians and vegans who may struggle to get enough protein in their diets. Protein is an essential macronutrient that is used to build and repair tissues in the body. It is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system and keeping you feeling full for longer. Eating lentils can help to ensure that you are getting enough protein in your diet. Try incorporating lentils into your meals by using them as a base for salads, topping your soups with them, or mixing them into your stir-fries.
Rich in Dietary Fibre
One of the main benefits of eating sprouted green lentils is their high fiber content. Just 1/4 cup of dry lentils contains around 8 grams of fiber. This can help to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. Fiber is also important for regulating blood sugar levels, which can help to prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases. Eating a diet high in fiber can also help to reduce cholesterol levels and promote weight loss. To incorporate lentils into your diet, try adding them to your soups and stews, mixing them into your pasta dishes, or using them as a base for your grain bowls.
Low in Fat
Sprouted green lentils are naturally low in fat, which makes them a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. In addition, the type of fat that is found in lentils is mainly unsaturated, which is a healthier form of fat that can help to reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of heart disease. To incorporate lentils into your diet, try using them as a base for your veggie burgers, adding them to your casseroles, or mixing them into your dips and spreads.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Sprouted green lentils are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and potassium. Iron is important for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing anemia, while folate is important for preventing birth defects in pregnant women. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and preventing heart disease. To incorporate lentils into your diet, try adding them to your veggie salads or using them as a filling for your wraps and sandwiches.
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans
Sprouted green lentils are a great option for vegetarians and vegans who may struggle to get enough protein in their diets. They are also a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells. Iron is often a nutrient of concern for vegetarians and vegans, who may not be getting enough of it in their diets. To incorporate lentils into your vegetarian or vegan diet, try adding them to your soups, stews, and curries or using them as a base for your veggie burger patties.
Helps in Weight Management
Sprouted green lentils are a great food option for those looking to maintain or lose weight. They are low in fat and high in fiber, which can help you feel full for longer. In addition, the protein found in lentils can help to build and repair muscle, which can improve your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day. To incorporate lentils into your diet for weight management, try adding them to your salads, using them as a base for your grain bowls, or mixing them into your homemade hummus.
Good for Gut Health
The fiber found in sprouted green lentils can promote healthy digestion and improve gut health. Fiber helps to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestion and prevent digestive issues like constipation. Eating lentils can also help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can improve overall gut health. Try incorporating lentils into your diet by using them as a base for your veggie bowls, mixing them into your soups, or adding them to your casseroles.
Boosts Energy Levels
Sprouted green lentils are a great source of energy-boosting nutrients. They are high in complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly in the body and provide a steady source of energy. Lentils are also a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing fatigue. Eating lentils can help to improve your energy levels and keep you feeling energized throughout the day. To incorporate lentils into your diet for an energy boost, try adding them to your morning smoothies, mixing them into your oatmeal, or using them as a topping for your sweet potato toast.
Contributes to Healthy Skin and Hair
Sprouted green lentils are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall skin and hair health. They are particularly high in folate and iron, which are important for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing anemia. Anemia can lead to hair loss and skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. To incorporate lentils into your diet for healthy skin and hair, try adding them to your smoothies, using them as a base for your veggie wraps, or mixing them into your homemade guacamole.
Sprouted green lentils are an excellent source of heart-healthy nutrients like fiber and potassium. Fiber helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body, which can lower the risk of heart disease. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and preventing heart disease. To incorporate lentils into your diet for heart health, try adding them to your soups and stews, using them as a base for your veggie burgers, or mixing them into your homemade hummus.
5 FAQ about Sprouted Green Lentils
1. What are sprouted green lentils?
Sprouted green lentils are lentils that have been soaked and left to germinate for a few days in a warm and moist environment until they sprout. The sprouting process breaks down certain enzymes and compounds in the lentils, making them easier to digest and increasing their nutrient content.
2. What are the health benefits of sprouted green lentils?
Sprouted green lentils are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as vitamins B and C, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants and enzymes that may help boost immunity, support digestion, and reduce inflammation in the body.
3. How do you cook sprouted green lentils?
Sprouted green lentils can be eaten raw or cooked. To cook them, rinse them with water and boil them in a pot of water for 10-15 minutes until tender but firm. You can then use them in salads, soups, stews, or as a side dish with your main meal.
4. Where can I buy sprouted green lentils?
Sprouted green lentils can be found in health food stores, specialty grocery stores, or online. You can also sprout your own lentils at home by soaking them in water for 12-24 hours, draining them, and leaving them in a sprouting jar or cheesecloth covered bowl for a few days until they sprout.
5. Can sprouted green lentils go bad?
Yes, sprouted green lentils can go bad if not stored properly. Keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. If they start to smell or have mold, discard them and do not eat them.