The benefits and contraindications of lentils for the human body

Lentils have been popular among people in America, Asia, and Europe for many years. This plant's health benefits stem from its rich vitamin and protein content, which have a positive impact on human health. They are also very filling, making them ideal for salads, porridges, and soups.

Composition and properties

Before using this plant, you need to study in detail the beneficial properties of lentils and its contraindications.

This plant is popular among nutritionists because it's virtually calorie-free. One hundred grams of beans contain no more than 280-290 mcg. However, experienced nutritionists claim that dishes made from this plant are filling and can completely replace meat.

When comparing the micronutrients in lentils with those in peas, we see that lentils contain the optimal amount of fructose, protein, and lipoprotein. Lentils' beneficial properties stem from the fact that their proteins contain lecithin and other amino acids, which help relieve vascular obstruction and normalize blood pressure.

What vitamins are contained in the product?

The plant is rich in vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and other beneficial microelements. One hundred grams of ripe beans also contain over 100 mcg of pteroylglutamic acid.

Lentils contain B vitamins, which boost brain activity and have a positive effect on the nervous and vascular systems. They also contain tryptophan, which is involved in the formation of serotonin.

Thanks to this, regular consumption of lentils helps to cope with psychological problems, stress and depressive states.

Lentils also contain manganese, zinc, copper, and selenium. These nutrients are essential for combating anemia and other conditions with similar symptoms.

How to choose the right and useful one

There are a huge number of different varieties of lentils, which differ in appearance and health effects. Therefore, before choosing, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with their key distinguishing features. Common types of legumes include the following:

• Red lentils. The benefits and harms of this variety are of interest to many people planning to grow them themselves. A distinctive feature of this variety is its high potassium and iron content. Regular consumption of red beans improves nervous system function and memory. They also help reverse the symptoms of thalassemia and coronary heart disease.
• Black. Lentils and black beans are considered expensive varieties. Ripe beans contain components that enhance the body's antioxidant effects. Nutritionists and doctors recommend consuming them to prevent vascular diseases associated with high blood pressure. This variety is also used to help slow the aging process.
• Green. Among the more expensive varieties of lentils, the green variety, often called French, stands out. A characteristic feature of this plant is its high fiber content. Because of this, green lentils help improve digestion and relieve intestinal problems. They are often added to stews, soups, and salads.
• Yellow. People who see yellow beans for the first time immediately assume they're a separate variety. In reality, they're green beans with the outer skin removed. The only difference from green lentils is that they cook much faster.

Benefits of lentils for women

Every woman planning to use beans for medicinal purposes should familiarize herself with the health benefits of lentils. When discussing the plant's benefits, it's important to consider the micronutrients found in ripe peas. Beans contain isoflavones, which have antioxidant properties. Therefore, regular consumption of lentils can prevent the development of fibroids and breast cancer. They can also help relieve menstrual pain and cope with post-menopausal complications.

One of the plant's benefits is that isoflavones do not disappear after heat treatment, making lentil dishes always healthy for women.

During pregnancy: advice from doctors

The benefits of lentils for pregnant women have been proven repeatedly. Many doctors advise that pregnant women should include some bean-based dishes in their diet.

Lentils are known for their folate content. This micronutrient is beneficial during pregnancy, as it significantly reduces the risk of fetal developmental problems. The proteins contained in folate have a beneficial effect on the baby's development. They also normalize blood circulation in the expectant mother and lower blood pressure.

When breastfeeding

Due to the health benefits of lentils, many doctors recommend eating them while breastfeeding and adding them to your daily diet. Brown lentils contain micronutrients that help eliminate digestion issues in newborns and new mothers. Eating beans while breastfeeding does not cause complications, as the fiber is quickly absorbed.

For children. At what age should it be given to infants?

Doctors recommend adding lentils to young children's diets because they are beneficial for infants. They contain a lot of iron, minerals, and vitamins, which prevent the accumulation of dangerous and harmful components in the body. Lentils are also environmentally friendly, so they rarely cause harm to children.

When including plants in a child’s diet, it is recommended to read the following tips:

• Legumes are added to babies' diets only after they reach 8 months of age. Feeding lentils to children earlier is contraindicated.
• Children with digestive problems should only eat lentils from the age of two. Eating lentils before age two can cause intestinal irritation and increased gas production.
• To begin with, infants are given only red varieties of the plant, as they lack coarse fiber. Giving green or black fruits is strictly contraindicated.
• When feeding lentils to children, preference is given to varieties that contain the most protein, as they are easily absorbed by the body of babies.
• During the first 2-3 months, infants should be given no more than 5-10 grams of beans daily. Giving more lentils may cause digestive difficulties. If such complications occur, beans should be immediately eliminated from the child's diet.
• Children should not be given legumes more than twice a day to avoid complications.

For men

Before consuming beans, guys should familiarize themselves with the benefits of lentils for men.

This plant is recommended for men who are planning to build muscle. Thanks to the significant amount of beneficial proteins in legumes, regular consumption saturates the male body with protein components. This significantly increases the rate of muscle growth. However, this is not the only benefit for the male body.

Including lentils in your daily diet will gradually increase the accumulation of antioxidants in your body. These help protect cell walls from damage and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Many men in adulthood experience prostate problems, which negatively impact their sex life. To reduce inflammation in the prostate gland, some doctors recommend eating more brown or red lentils. These beans can help relieve symptoms of prostatitis and improve blood circulation in the groin.

Men often experience symptoms of increased fatigue and exhaustion. Legumes can help replenish energy. Drinking a daily decoction of fresh lentils can help. It will speed up metabolic processes and alleviate iron deficiency.

Mature men are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Legumes contain fiber, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Therefore, doctors recommend that young men regularly eat beans to get the beneficial micronutrients that help prevent heart disease.

A delicious weight loss diet and reviews

People who regularly try to lose weight know that when dieting, it's important to lose fat while preserving muscle tissue. To achieve this, lentil dishes should be included in your diet, which helps promote quick and lasting weight loss.

This plant is recommended for dieters because it contains protein, which helps curb cravings. Nutritionists recommend the red variety during a diet because it's better absorbed by the body. However, other varieties of the plant are also rich in protein and therefore can be added to a weight-loss diet.

Lentil salads and other foods made from ripe beans are used when following the following dietary patterns:

• Strict. A person must eat only lentil dishes prepared without salt. Hearty porridges are most often eaten on this strict diet. To prepare this dish, 200 grams of beans are poured with cold water and left to steep for 10-12 hours. Then, the container with the lentils is placed on a gas stove and boiled for 5-7 minutes. Eat this porridge for no more than a week. During this time, you can lose 7-8 extra kilograms.
• Gentle. This is a more simplified diet, requiring only one lentil dish per day. In addition to beans, vegetables, grapefruit, greens, and soy meat are added to the daily diet. A gentle diet also requires drinking plenty of fluids. Some doubt the effectiveness of this diet and believe it's impossible to lose weight. However, following a gentle diet can result in a weight loss of 5-7 kilograms in 10-15 days.

In sports nutrition for muscle growth in athletes

Lentils are rich in protein, making them a popular choice for athletes. During intense exercise, muscle tissue gradually undergoes remodeling. To accelerate this process, the body requires protein, which is found in ripe lentils. Iron and zinc, also found in lentils, are also essential for muscle growth.

Nutritionists recommend combining lentils with other healthy foods, such as milk, kefir, and meat, which increase the filling properties of meals. Before eating, soak all lentils thoroughly in water for 4-5 hours. This is done to prevent bloating after eating lentils.

For vegetarians and raw foodists

Vegetarians completely avoid animal protein, so they have to find a substitute. Lentils offer a new source of this component, as they are no different in their filling properties and digestibility than sausages and other meat products. Just 100 grams of lentils can keep you full for the entire day.

Before using lentils, they should be soaked in water. To do this, add 100 grams of beans to a small container, cover with water, and let them soak overnight.

When it is useful for various ailments

Lentils are added to the diet not only to add variety to the diet but also to treat illnesses. Therefore, doctors often recommend these beans to people suffering from gastritis, diabetes, constipation, and high blood pressure.

For diabetes mellitus types I and II

Diabetics should eat a healthy diet and monitor their polysaccharide and protein levels. To achieve this, it's recommended to eat more cooked lentils, which provide a protein boost. These beans are completely safe for diabetics, as they don't contain any components that affect sugar levels.

The most useful dish for constipation

People who complain of indigestion should eat foods containing fiber, which is found in lentils. There are many delicious bean recipes that can be used. A decoction is often made by steeping 100 grams of the plant in liquid and simmering it for half an hour. Drink this remedy no more than 3-4 times a day.

For liver diseases, cholecystitis

Patients with liver disease should do everything possible to minimize the stress on their liver. To achieve this, doctors recommend completely replacing animal proteins and fats with lentils. A delicious bean soup can be made with lentils, which can help combat liver problems. To make it, pour 300-400 grams of beans into three liters of boiling water and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Then add potatoes, onions, and carrots to the mixture. After half an hour, remove all ingredients from the stove and blend them.

For gastritis

Lentils are especially beneficial for those suffering from gastritis, which causes excessive gastric acid secretion. Soups and watery porridges made from green vegetables have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. It is recommended to eat them only warm to avoid damaging the stomach lining.

For hypertension

A medicinal decoction made from lentils helps those with hypertension. To prepare it, mix 350-400 grams of the plant with a bay leaf and onion. Then, add two liters of liquid to all ingredients and bring to a boil. Drink the decoction four times daily.

Can it be used to treat wounds and burns?

Some people wonder whether legumes are used to treat burns or wounds. Lentils are added to the preparation of healing ointments that heal damaged skin. To create the medicine, flour powder and oil are mixed in equal quantities, after which the ground beans are added to the mixture.

Lentils in facial masks

The plant contains vitamins and acids, making it suitable for use in a rejuvenating mask. To make it, place 200 grams of beans in a blender, chop them, and mix with 100 ml of kefir. Apply the mixture to the face and remove after an hour and a half.

When it may cause harm or be useless

Having learned about the benefits, it's important to understand the dangers of lentils. There are a number of contraindications that should be considered before using these plants.

For pancreatitis

Lentils can be harmful if consumed during complications of pancreatitis. Therefore, patients with this condition are advised to eat beans only when the condition is not showing any symptoms. In this case, small portions of lentil dishes are acceptable. People with pancreatitis are advised to eat only red varieties, as they are best suited for daily consumption.

If you experience abdominal pain after eating beans, you should immediately eliminate them from your diet.

For kidney stones

People suffering from kidney stones should consume lentils with caution. Patients with this condition are advised to use lentil broth. To make it, pour 150 grams of lentils into a liter of water and let it steep for half an hour. Then, cool the mixture completely and strain it through cheesecloth. It is recommended to drink the prepared decoction at least four times a day.

For gout

If you have a disease like gout, eating lentils in any form is contraindicated, as it will lead to serious complications.

Other contraindications

There are a number of conditions for which lentils pose a significant health risk. To avoid dangerous complications and health problems in the future, it's important to familiarize yourself with the most common ailments. Lentils should not be consumed in any form by people suffering from uric acid diathesis or chronic joint disease.

It's no secret that eating beans can increase gas production. Therefore, they should be avoided by patients with hemorrhoids and other digestive disorders.

Before including lentils in your diet, you should consult a doctor and make sure there are no contraindications to its use.

Conclusion

Lentils are a common legume. Before growing them yourself and using them for cooking or medicinal purposes, it's important to thoroughly understand their composition, beneficial properties, and main contraindications.