Is it safe to eat lentils while breastfeeding? Benefits and recipes

Every mother takes care when planning her baby's diet, choosing foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Legumes are known to be a source of protein and a treasure trove of vitamins and fiber. However, they cause intestinal fermentation, producing gases that can cause colic in babies. In this article, we'll explore whether lentils are safe to eat while breastfeeding, at what age, and how to introduce them to babies.

Can a nursing mother eat lentils?

Lentils are a legume, and their natural protein can be used as a meat substitute. Considered a healthy food, lentils make filling yet low-calorie dishes rich in plant-based protein.

A nursing mother can indulge in dishes containing this healthy ingredient. However, caution is required when introducing it. Lentils are not a known allergen, but in very rare cases they can cause a rash and itching in babies. If used incorrectly, they can lead to increased gas and colic.

First, use this healthy legume in soup. Mom should sample a small portion of the soup (without the grains, just the broth) during breakfast. Afterward, monitor the baby's reaction. If the baby's condition remains unchanged, and there are no colic or gas problems, mom can incorporate lentils into her breastfeeding diet as a filling and healthy side dish, starting with just two spoonfuls.

Important! Lentils contain a unique protein-based essential amino acid, tryptophan, which is a natural mood regulator..

Can it be included in a child’s diet?

This legume is considered very beneficial for children, as it is a natural source of vitamins and microelements, and protein, which is easily digestible.

Of all the vitamins found in lentils, the most beneficial is vitamin B9 (folic acid). Folic acid helps normalize metabolism and promotes a strong immune system. This legume contains virtually all the essential minerals and microelements essential for children's growth and development.

It is recommended to introduce lentils into children's diets from the age of seven months in the form of puree with butter.

Important! Every child's body is unique, so some healthy babies with no digestive issues can be introduced to beans as early as 4.5 to 5 months.

Beneficial properties

Lentil dishes saturate with energy, enrich the body with microelements, vitamins and minerals.

The grains of this crop are rich in:

• group of B vitamins,
• vitamins E, D and K,
• magnesium and iron, iodine and calcium, zinc and copper, selenium and other minerals necessary for the body.

These substances promote healthy bones, teeth, and hair, and actively contribute to child development. The product's benefits include suppressing pathogenic microbes, removing harmful substances from the body, lowering blood sugar, and preventing iron deficiency.

Important! Lentils never accumulate nitrates, making them safe to eat and can be given to nursing mothers and children in the form of porridge and puree..

Rules of use

Lentils are a food product with several varieties. Each variety has its own unique qualities and requires specific cooking methods.

• Red varieties are best suited for purees and salads.
• The brown variety makes delicious and healthy soups.
• Green and black varieties do not boil over and are used for making side dishes.
• The yellow variety is versatile and can be used to make soups, purees, and side dishes.

Important! A serving of lentils provides the body with 90% of the daily requirement of folate..

How to choose and store lentils correctly?

When purchasing lentils, pay attention to the grains. To assess the grains' appearance, choose products in transparent packaging. The grains of high-quality products are neat and even, without any plaque or cracks.

Good cereals should be free of foreign odors.

It is advisable to choose beans from a trusted manufacturer.

It's recommended to store the beans in a glass jar with a tightly sealed lid in a dry place. Humid conditions can cause the beans to become soggy and lose their flavor.

Features of preparation of different varieties

There are several types of lentils, which are identified by the color of the grain:

• Green beans are a popular choice for side dishes and healthy salads. They come in the form of immature beans, which retain their shape during cooking. Green beans are beneficial for those with pyelonephritis, rheumatism, and cholecystitis, and are helpful for liver disease and hypertension.
• Red variety. It has excellent flavor. Its small, beautiful grains, which cook quickly, are used to make soups and purees. This red bean contains a large amount of iron, providing the body with this essential nutrient to prevent anemia.
• Brown beans. They have a nutty flavor and make delicious soups and casseroles. Brown beans are beneficial in treating lung conditions and muscle and bone injuries.
• Black lentils. These small, black caviar-like beans are beneficial for gastrointestinal ailments.

Lentil recipes

You can prepare soups, purees, cutlets, various salads, stews, pilafs.

Chicken soup

For chicken soup, take chicken fillet and simmer for 30 minutes. Add potatoes, finely chopped carrots, celery root, onion, zucchini, and lentils. Salt to taste and serve with fresh herbs. The result is a light and healthy soup.

Light salad

Ingredients:

• red or brown lentils;
• fresh cucumbers, 2 pcs;
• tomatoes, 2 pcs;
• medium-sized onion;
• juice of half a lemon;
• olive oil (any vegetable oil will do);
• a bunch of fresh parsley;
• pepper.

To prepare this light summer salad, first boil the beans. Peel and dice the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Thinly slice the onion into half rings and finely chop the parsley. After mixing all the ingredients, season with vegetable oil, pepper, salt, and lemon juice. For a richer flavor, you can add a clove of garlic.

Green Lentil Salad

Preparing a tasty and healthy salad:

• Green lentils (100 g) are soaked for about 10 hours, then boiled for 15-20 minutes.
• After cutting the apples, fry them in olive oil.
• Raisins and dried apricots (take 50 g each) are poured with the juice of half a lemon.
• Mix all ingredients with the addition of diced cheese (100 g) and herbs, and add salt to taste.

Lentil casserole

To prepare it, boil lentils and potatoes, then mix them in a 1:1 ratio. Combine the cooked baking ingredients in a blender, adding fried onions and flour. Grease a baking pan, pour the finished mixture from the blender into it, and bake until done at 180 degrees Celsius.

Lentil pate appetizer

To make the pâté, pre-boil the lentils and then blend them. Add olive oil with a squeeze of lemon juice, spices, and salt to the mixture. The pâté can be enjoyed as a snack, spread on toast or bread.

Red lentil cutlets

To make the cutlets, take three-quarters of a cup of red lentils. You'll also need three large tomatoes and a medium-sized onion. Wash the lentils and vegetables and simmer for about 20 minutes over low heat. Add chopped herbs and salt toward the end of the cooking time. Form the cooked mixture into patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry in sunflower oil.

Tip! You can steam the cutlets, which makes them even healthier.

Pilaf with chicken and lentils

Ingredients:

• chicken fillet (half a kilo);
• red lentils, 1 cup;
• carrots, 1 pc;
• onion, 1 pc;
• sunflower oil, 1 cup;
• paprika, 1 tsp;
• black and red pepper to taste;
• water, 2 glasses.

Fry the chicken pieces in a cauldron over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add the chopped carrots and onion rings and fry for another 5-7 minutes.

Pour in 2 cups of boiling water, add salt, black and red pepper, and dried paprika. Stir, cover tightly, and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. Add the rinsed lentils and garlic to the cauldron with the vegetables. Let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes.

The result is a delicious and healthy dish, and the hot paprika will give the pilaf a bright, festive look.

Tip: To keep lentils soft and reduce cooking time, soak them beforehand..

Contraindications for consumption

Overeating lentils can cause bloating and flatulence not only in the mother but also in the infant through breast milk. Therefore, legume consumption should be in moderation.

Lentils are a healthy food not only for nursing mothers but also for their babies. However, it's important to remember the restrictions and monitor your baby's reaction after consuming them.