Lentils belong to the legume family, but they are richer in health benefits than beans or peas. A source of vegetable protein, lentils, can not only improve the functioning of most human organs, but also generally extend life expectancy. Also, the product "knows how" to stimulate the reproductive function of women. Why are lentils so good?
For the first time, lentils as a nutritious product are mentioned in biblical traditions about the hungry wanderer Esau, who agreed to give up the privilege of the birthright in exchange for a pot of hearty lentil stew. Thus, his cunning brother Jacob took possession of the inheritance right.
However, the respectful attitude to lentils as a healthy and healthy dish is historically known in Ancient Egypt as well. For example, the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, according to one of the legends, suffered from a severe form of allergy. The priests brought her lentil stew 3-4 times a week to restore the woman's body and cure the disease.
In Russia, lentils are only gaining popularity. This is because it did not take root because of the climate. Lentils did not yield a crop either in the Russian central zone or in the northern one. For a long time, lentils were considered outlandish exotic beans from Asia.
Lentil composition
Lentils break all records for the presence of protein, not only among animal products, but also among legumes. Nutritionists jokingly call the product vegetable meat. After all, lentils are not only rich in the right calories, but also contain vitamins and minerals.
In 100 g of lentils:
- calories - 311 kcal;
- proteins - 25 g;
- fats - 1, 1 g;
- carbohydrates - 54 g.
What are the benefits for women
Having learned about the unconditional benefits of the product for the body, women rush to introduce it into their diet. The fact is that lentils contain precisely those trace elements that are needed and convenient for taking with food: iodine, zinc, manganese, silicon. Also, a serving of lentils covers a woman's daily need for folic acid, as well as for iron.
Legumes are also good for the emotional stability of the beautiful half of humanity. A natural antidepressant - a legume - is rich in tryptophan. This amino acid supplies the body with the hormone of happiness, and serotonin prevents depression and mood swings.
Natural lentil protein is easily digestible without consequences for the figure and without the formation of toxins. The carbohydrates contained in the composition are slow, and fiber does not allow you to experience hunger and fatigue for a long time.
A woman who regularly uses lentils suffers less from pain during menstruation, tolerates PMS more easily and almost does not pay attention to menopause. No allergies occur from the product.
Another valuable property is the presence of isoflavones and folic acid in the composition. They prevent the lion's share of tumor diseases in women, in particular in the chest and female genital organs.
When taken regularly, lentils not only improve the internal state of a woman, but also transform her appearance, allowing her to look better. All legumes are able to reduce the sebum production of the facial skin, relieving it of oily sheen and clogged pores. This is due to the stabilization of the intestines, stimulation of the digestive system, and a decrease in swelling. A product for constipation and diverticulosis is also good.
Nutritionists love lentils for their abundance of nutrients and for their instant fiber. This allows the product to easily replace cereals and even bread in the diet, which leads to weight loss. And most importantly, it reduces (or excludes, if contraindicated), the use of red meat.
Finally, lentil porridge, thick and dense, boosts immunity in winter and, with the addition of spices, warms up no worse than a plate of hearty food, such as dumplings (in Chinese medicine, there are anti-cold recipes based on lentils).
Harm
Like most legumes, edible "coins" can damage the intestines. Strong gas formation, flatulence - this causes discomfort after taking lentils even to a healthy person. But this is not a reason to give up delicious lentils if you do not have problems with the stomach, intestines, or you do not suffer from urolithiasis. In the form of seedlings, the legume has no contraindications.
It is undesirable to often eat boiled lentils:
- patients with gout;
- when diagnosed with pathology of the biliary tract;
- if dysbiosis is diagnosed;
- with the formation of hemorrhoidal plaques.
Advice
It is enough for a healthy person to add dill, cilantro, fennel seeds to lentils, and gas formation will not bother.
Surprisingly, greens, on the contrary, even enhance the beneficial properties of boiled legumes, no matter what color lentils you choose (they can be red, black, brown, yellow, green, golden and even orange). Season the porridge with parsley, green mustard or green salad, and iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium and the rest of the bouquet of trace elements in the composition of the medicinal queen of legumes is better absorbed by the body.
