To maintain health in good condition, to feel vitality and strength, the right attitude to food is necessary. It's important not only to diet and exercise a lot. The types of foods that our body receives are of great importance. Lentils are one of the best cereals for promoting positive processes in our body. What kind of plant is it, what are the benefits and harms of lentils, can it be included in the diet of pregnant women, at what age should it be given to children? We will also find out what is the use of lentils for men, whether cereals affect the potency and condition of male organs. We will find out about everything in order of priority.

Lentil history

Consider at once, from what cereals are called lentils. In ancient Russia, the product was called a sachet. This type of pronunciation has been preserved in the Ukrainian and Belarusian languages ​​- sochevytsya and sachavitsa, respectively. But where did the product come from to Russia, where it was initially cultivated. According to research, for the first time, cereals are mentioned in the sources of Ancient Egypt. Even before our era, cereals were cultivated, chaff was cleaned and flour was made. Bread was baked from it, and something like our cereals was cooked from cereals.

During the excavation of tombs, archaeologists have found now and then lentil bread, and these were sarcophagi of representatives of the wealthy class. There was even a proverb: "He who is smart cooks lentils well."

The inhabitants of Ancient Rome claimed that it was not only a food product, but also a medicinal plant and was used to heal nervous ailments. Then the cereal was called "Lens", that is, from the word "Lentus" - slow, calm. When attacking the Germanic lands, the Roman soldiers constantly ate lentil stew and thanks to this it began to take root among the Germans. There is a tradition - on the New Year's table, among other dishes, lentils must be included - a symbol of prosperity and prosperity.

In addition to the fact that it was eaten by people, cereals and its stalk, chaff was given to livestock. In Russia, the culture has also been cultivated since ancient times. Until the beginning of the 19th century, it was one of the main food products, but over time it began to disappear from the diet of people. For a long time it was impossible to buy lentils in a store and the reason for this is innovation - cereals and products imported from abroad.

They began to grow culture again only in Soviet times. It is not whimsical, resistant to extreme temperatures, drought and high humidity. Moreover, lentils, like any other leguminous plant, perfectly enrich the soil with nitrogen and are capable of producing a rich harvest on almost any type of soil.

Today, the leaders in the cultivation and supply of lentils are Turkey, India, Pakistan.

The chemical composition of lentil legumes

The culture contains a mass of protein - in 100 grams up to 25 grams, carbohydrates - 53 grams and up to 40 grams. starch. Also, the composition of cereals includes vitamins A, D, PP, E, C and almost the entire group B. Of trace elements, legumes are rich in phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, sodium. The plant is rich in dietary fiber, 14 grams of water and 1.1 grams of fat and 2.5 grams of ash.

Trace elements include cobalt, manganese, boron, copper, iron, nickel, iodine, chromium, silicon, fluorine, etc.

Important: there are only 310 kilocalories in 100 grams of the product.

Description of culture

As we already know, lentils belong to the family of useful legumes. The culture belongs to a group of plants known from time immemorial. Her fossilized remains were found during research excavations of the Neolithic period. It is a plant with a thin root and a branched stem up to 75 cm high. The leaves grow alternately in 7 pairs and are crowned with tendrils. Thick peduncle, small purple and white flowers. Flowering occurs in July, from the flowers ripen diamond-shaped beans up to 1 centimeter long and 0.8 cm wide. Seeds are sharp-edged, flattened, can be green, red, black, brown.

Useful properties of lentils

The product we are studying can be confidently ranked among the champions in the content of iron and valuable folic acid. If you consume at least 200 grams of cereals twice a week, then you can fully provide yourself with the daily intake of substances. A rich assortment of proteins, carbohydrates and fats allows you to replace any dairy and meat products with cereals.

1. Lentils are useful for metabolic disorders, stomach diseases and ulcers, gastritis and colitis.
2. Dietary fiber is beneficial for diabetes. It contains light carbohydrates. They are not able to increase the amount of sugar, on the contrary, they are effectively absorbed and for this reason diabetics are advised to consume baked goods, bread and other lentil products. Especially useful in this case is plate-shaped groats, which you need to eat at least twice a week.
3. Vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B strengthen the immune system and normalize the work of peristalsis.
4. The culture contains a mass of natural phytoestrogens - isoflavans, which alleviate the condition during the onset and severe course of menopause. Also, the substances have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, perfectly cleanse the blood and inhibit the development of osteoporosis. Dishes with cereals must be included without fail in case of a predisposition to oncology, breast cancer.
   

   Important: valuable isoflavans are retained in the product even after heat treatment. Therefore, it is no less useful to use boiled, stewed and canned lentils.

5. Persons suffering from diabetes should be sure to consume lentils at least 2 times a day.
6. Groats have the ability to cleanse the blood and the body from toxins, toxins, eliminates plaques and lowers the level of harmful cholesterol, crushes small stones and unclogs the urogenital canals.
7. The potassium content helps to cleanse blood vessels and strengthen their walls, which is an excellent prevention of heart disease, strokes, heart attacks.
8. The ability to cleanse blood vessels helps to improve brain activity, memory, vision and hearing.
9. The components of cereals have hematopoietic properties, and for this reason they are included in the diet of people with anemia, anemia, etc.
10. Chinese doctors recommend using lentil porridge or soup to residents of the northern regions, as it has warming properties. To do this, you need to prepare a dish with the inclusion of spices.
11. Vitamin C in lentils inhibits the aging process of organs, regulates blood flow.
12. Regular consumption of cereals after 2-3 weeks externally manifests itself through an improvement in the condition of hair, nails and skin.
13. Porridge and cereal soups will help restore the body after a hard day's work, physical exertion - the product relieves fatigue and adds energy.
14. Cultural tryptophan is involved in the formation of serotonin, the hormone responsible for calmness and pleasure.
15. B vitamins normalize blood pressure.
16. Lentil beans contain many beneficial trace elements such as iron, potassium and magnesium, which increase hemoglobin levels and strengthen the heart muscles.
17. The product is among the most effective for those wishing to lose weight. A diet on lentils allows you to lose extra pounds without harm to the body, improve your health and get the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals.
18. The lentil groats we study is an ecologically safe product, regardless of the degree of soil or atmosphere pollution. It differs from other cereals in that it does not accumulate toxic substances, nitrates and radionuclides.
19. The presence of vitamin C helps to easily survive vitamin deficiency. An effective way to boost immunity is to consume sprouted lentil grains.

Is it possible to eat lentils for pregnant women

This product is called “female” by doctors and nutritionists. Firstly, it is great for helping to cope with premenstrual syndrome. Also, cereals must be included in the menu during menopause and during pregnancy, since lentils help with:

• iron deficiency anemia;
• rapid fatigue;
• chronic constipation;
• obesity;
• nervous disorders, irritability, bouts of aggression, anger and depression.

Given the fact that cereal is one of the champions in folic acid content, it should be used to form the neural tube of an infant and prevent birth defects in the fetus. Cereal proteins are involved in the formation of muscles in the embryo.

Pregnant women are often tormented by headaches, migraines. If you consume lentil porridge or soup a couple of times a week, then the required daily volume of vitamin B 5, which is responsible for blood flow and nutrition of the brain, will be provided.

Can lentils be given to children

Parents simply need to study the beneficial properties of cereals and its contraindications in order to know whether to introduce it into the baby's diet or not.

To begin with, let us know that lentils contain a lot of protein - the builder of the child's muscle mass. This element contains amino acids involved in the formation of hormones. They, in turn, stimulate the growth of new cells, strengthen the protective functions of the body. Also, cereals contain calcium, which is necessary for strengthening the bone structure. In total, two important elements are provided for the high-quality construction of the baby's body.

Lentils contain a lot of substances that are vital for the development of a baby. Groats have a good nutritional value - more than 300 calories in 100 grams. If you prepare dishes for breakfast from it, then the baby will be full and vigorous for a very long time.

Calcium, magnesium, sodium and other trace elements help to work effectively and calmly beat the baby's heart.

Soft fiber prevents constipation, and bioflavonoids prevent plaque formation and high sugar and bad cholesterol levels.

At what age can you feed your baby lentils? Mommies should not rush too much, not only with this cereal, but also with other legumes. Introduce in a scanty portion boiled lentils in the form of mashed potatoes no earlier than 8-9 months of age. After taking it, pay attention to whether your beloved child has negative reactions - redness, choking, edema, rash and other manifestations of individual intolerance. If everything is in order, then continue to include cereals in the diet no more than 1 time in 2 weeks.

Easy baby soup recipe

Rinse a glass of cereals thoroughly and soak in cool water for 2-3 hours. Prepare carrots, onions and some natural butter. Drain the water from the lentils and boil in water (salted) until completely cooked. This will take 15-20 minutes. Finely chop the onion and carrots, fry in butter, grind in a blender with porridge.

Why lentils are good for men's health

Scientists have not provided accurate information about how lentils are useful for the male half of humanity. Yes, this is not necessary. It is enough to study the beneficial properties of legumes and everything will be clear.

1. Proteins saturate the body and make you feel full for a long time.
2. Dietary fibers gently cleanse the intestines, prevent putrefactive bacteria from accumulating, thereby eliminating enterocolitis, gastritis, and ulcers. Constipation is also eliminated, and the body is regularly cleansed of waste products, without creating conditions for the development of hemorrhoids and cancer.
3. Potassium and sodium, including magnesium, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevent the formation of plaques. Thanks to this, the risk of atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks, coronary artery disease, etc. is reduced.
4. The blood purified with the help of useful elements enhances its circulation, enters the smallest capillaries, including the genitourinary system. Due to this, stagnant processes in the prostate gland are prevented, the risk of prostate cancer formation is reduced.
5. Since ancient times, lentils have been brought up for workers and soldiers, as they reduce fatigue and increase a person's working capacity.

Important: According to some studies, lentils affect male potency. Its regular consumption - that is, 2 times a week, improves the quality of sexual life, affects sperm activity and increases sensitivity during sexual intercourse.

Harm and contraindications of lentils

Just like other food products, the plants described by us cereals have a number of contraindications for consumption and can cause certain harm to the body.

1. Bean lentils contribute to the formation of gases, for this reason it is not recommended to use cereals for dysbiosis and other acute phases of diseases in the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Doctors do not recommend including lentils in the diet for people with gout. Groats do not belong to easily digestible food, so you need to eat it only in a highly boiled form.
3. In addition to useful ones, culture also contains not quite “positive” elements. These include phytates - substances that inhibit the absorption of calcium and other trace elements, minerals, iron by our body.

Based on the above, before including lentils in the diet, you should consult your doctor.

What are the types of lentils

To date, about 10 varieties of lentil beans have been cultivated. They are united by the similarity of taste, reminiscent of the taste of a nut, but the differences are manifested both in appearance and in the useful qualities of the product.

1. Red lentils - the taste is spicy, the product is popular for making mashed soups, cereals due to its richness. The product contains a lot of iron and proteins, which is very useful for patients with anemia.
2. Green ones are unripe cereals, which, during heat treatment, retain their shape and do not boil over. The product is excellent as a side dish for fish and meat and is useful for tonsillitis, pyelonephritis, hypertension, cholecystitis, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis, etc.
3. Black - is the smallest type of lentil, called "beluga" in cooking, as the product resembles beluga caviar in shape.
4. Brown - has a bright, nutty taste and is used for baking casseroles, soups, mashed potatoes. Doctors recommend for respiratory tract diseases, tuberculosis, injuries.
5. French - called Puy in cooking - retains its shape and color when cooked.

Any type of cereal is suitable for cooking at home, unlike other legumes, you do not need to soak and cook for a long time before cooking.

Traditional methods of treatment with lentils

There are many recipes in traditional medicine, but we offer the most popular of them.

1. In case of burns - mix butter and lentil flour in equal proportions, apply to the sore spot.
2. Attacks of irritability, increased fatigue are eliminated by consuming the decoction. Cook half a glass of dry cereal in 700 grams of water for 30 minutes.
3. To accelerate wound healing - mix in equal parts yolk, lentil flour and treat the affected area.
4. For eczema and other skin diseases - pour boiling water over the lentils (a handful and 2 glasses of water), leave for 2 hours and grind through a sieve. Apply the resulting solution to the affected area every 4 hours.
5. Nutrients and retinol contained in the culture are a prophylaxis for the development of age-related vision problems, and also helps to improve the condition of the eyes with constant work at the computer.

Slimming with lentils

This culture, which includes dietary fiber, can help get rid of extra pounds. Moreover, the process of losing weight, in contrast to strict modern diets, will not bring harm to health, if you treat it correctly and follow the doctor's recommendations. Before starting the scheme, visit your doctor, check if you can lose weight on this cereal.

An important point in the correct way to lose weight is the golden rule: you need to burn extra calories, but not lose useful elements. The body must continue to receive trace elements, vitamins, minerals so that there are no interruptions in the work of all systems.

Lentil diet

Any fasting days provide for the refusal to consume fatty, smoked, fried, spicy, salty and canned foods. You should also limit the consumption of salt and sugar, baked goods.

Interesting fact: Many people mistakenly believe that weight is added by sugar - carbohydrates. Salt is no less dangerous in this regard - it retains excess fluid in the body and, in addition to excess weight, leads to edema and diseases of all organs.

Extreme lentil diet

To get rid of excess weight, you must adhere to the following nutritional regimen for one to three months. A plentiful supply is recommended - up to 2 liters per day.

When dieting, you need to replace everything and consume soups, porridge or salads with lentils up to four times a day. Better to consume in different forms, so it will be more pleasant to sit on the croup. Adhere to the scheme for 1 week, then take a break for 5 days and repeat again.

Important: during the break, you should not pounce on unhealthy foods - fatty, spicy, flour, smoked foods, baked goods, etc. You need to consume light cereals, fruits and vegetables.

In a week, you can lose up to 3 kilograms of excess weight, metabolism will improve, stool will normalize, skin will be cleansed and hair shine will be restored.

Lentil recipes for fasting days

To make a soup with healthy cereals, check with your doctor if it is possible to give your baby lentils, if there are any contraindications.

For cooking we need:

• boiled cereal - a glass;
• 3 small - peeled and diced;
• 1 carrot (grated);
• half of the onion (finely chopped);
• 500 grams of broth (vegetable only);
• a spoonful of oil (lean);
• pepper, thyme.

Fry vegetables, boil potatoes in vegetable broth, then add cereals, frying, pepper, thyme and cook for another 10 minutes.

So we finished the story about the undeservedly forgotten lentils. Fortunately, modern stores began to offer customers valuable cereals again, and what is nice, it costs mere pennies. Do not pass by the shelves with lentils, purchase and prepare soups, cereals, decoctions from them, and also use them to treat a number of diseases. Just do not forget - a positive result largely depends on the correct reception and compliance with precautions.

Legumes are the perfect blend of vegetable protein and vitamins. Of all the varieties of beans, lentils are considered a feminine product.

How are lentils useful for women and pregnant women?

Eating this product will not only get rid of various diseases, but also solve some typically female problems.

Composition and calorie content

Lentils are among the dietary foods. This legume is remarkable in that it contains a high concentration of vegetable protein: in 100 grams of boiled lentils, about 25 grams of vegetable protein. At the same time, the product has a low fat content. Nutritionists have calculated that in order to get the daily protein intake, a person can completely replace meat with boiled lentils.

This will not negatively affect the health of the body, but it will improve the digestion process, since vegetable protein, as you know, is absorbed better than animal protein. The composition of this variety of beans will allow you to find out how lentils are useful for women. Lentils contain all the vitamins and minerals the body needs:

• Omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids;
• Soluble fiber
• Folic acid;
• Vitamins of group B, A, PP and E;
• Trace elements (iodine, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium, chromium, phosphorus).

The presence of lentils in the diet will make the woman's menu more balanced and nutritious. Despite the fact that lentils are a very satisfying product, their calorie content is not too high. 100 grams of boiled beans contains 110 calories.

Types of lentils

Currently, mankind knows 10 different varieties of lentils. And although they practically do not differ in taste, each of the types of legumes has a unique set of useful properties. How are lentils useful for women of one sort or another?

• Brown lentils. Has a characteristic nutty flavor, ideal for making soups and casseroles. Improves the condition of the body with bone and muscle injuries, tuberculosis and lung diseases;
• Red lentils. It is very spicy in taste, quickly boiled down, and therefore is often used for making pureed soups. Contains a lot of protein and iron, indicated for anemia;
• Green lentils. They are unripe fruits that keep their shape well after cooking. Green lentils are especially useful for hypertension, cholecystitis and pyelonephritis, as well as rheumatism.

Benefits of lentils for women

Nutritionists emphasize that in order to maintain women's health, lentils should become a constant product on every girl's table. The properties, than lentils are useful for women, are explained by the unique composition, which includes components that provide:

• Breast cancer prevention;
• Reducing the symptoms of menopause;
• Resistance to severe stress and depression;
• Normalization of blood sugar;
• Prevention of diseases of the heart and digestive tract.

One serving of boiled lentils contains about 90% of the daily value of folic acid, which is especially necessary for pregnant women for the normal formation of the fetus. What else is lentil good for women? Due to the high content of soluble plant fiber in beans, women often use lentils for weight loss. Even a small portion of this product can quickly saturate the body. In addition, lentils do not cause a sharp jump in insulin levels, which means that the feeling of hunger will not disturb you very soon. Daily use of lentils improves digestive function, helping to avoid the constipation that people who lose weight often face when switching to a less varied and low-calorie diet.

Contraindications

Lentils are an environmentally friendly and nutritious product. However, some categories of women are not recommended to include it in their menu. This primarily applies to those who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, gout, as well as stones in the gallbladder or kidney. It is also worth noting one important feature of lentils. Too frequent consumption of this legume reduces the absorption of calcium, iron and zinc in the body, so nutritionists recommend eating it no more than 3 times a week.

Edible lentils are often mentioned in the Bible, for this reason the culture is considered one of the most ancient of its kind. To date, experts have identified a lot of varieties of raw materials, which differ in shape, taste, color, useful and harmful properties.

Lentil varieties

Depending on the shape, size and color, there are 5 main types of lentils.

Red - the grains quickly undergo heat treatment and crumble. It is for this reason that raw materials are used for preparing first courses and mashed potatoes. The red look is considered the most piquant due to the corresponding taste and aroma. Culture is of particular value to people suffering from anemia.

Green - a feature of the beans is that they do not have time to ripen during the harvest period. Hence the corresponding name of the species appeared. Raw materials retain their shape during heat treatment, therefore, they are most often used in the preparation of side dishes, salad, second courses. It is useful to use lentils for hepatitis, pyelonephritis, ulcers, rheumatism, cholecystitis, high blood pressure.

Black lentils are the most refined lentils, which are shaped like black caviar. The fine grains are retained after boiling, so you can use the beans for both first and second courses. The black look is useful for people who suffer from diseases of the stomach and intestinal tract.

Brown is a common lentil with a subtle nutty flavor and aroma. Most often, desserts and pies are baked on the basis of brown beans. Also, lentils are widely used in the preparation of first courses and salads. The grains are of particular value to people with muscle spasms, brittle bones, tuberculosis, and respiratory diseases.

French - such lentils are called "Puy". It is cultivated in the French town of the same name. A distinctive feature of the beans is considered to be shape retention during heat treatment, spicy taste and aroma. French beans are considered analogous to green lentils, but they are fully ripe and not as large.

Benefits of lentils

1. Grains are rich in fiber, which is responsible for intestinal motility. Lentils can help relieve constipation and, conversely, diarrhea. It eliminates diverticulosis and other similar gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Folic acid, which is part of the composition, is responsible for the arrest of cancer cells and the further development of tumors (both benign and malignant).
3. Niacin accelerates the absorption of ascorbic acid, tidies up hair and skin, and strengthens the immune system in the midst of a flu epidemic.
4. Thiamine is responsible for the central nervous system, heart muscle, liver and gastrointestinal tract. It eliminates possible arrhythmias, tidies up the psycho-emotional background, fights digestive disorders, cleanses the body of toxins.
5. Lentils replenish the lack of iron in the blood, which is incredibly beneficial for people with anemia. In addition, the grains have enveloping properties, due to which the prevention of peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, and ailments of the duodenum is carried out.
6. The B vitamins included in the composition, in particular riboflavin, accelerate all metabolic processes. This allows obese people to maintain their optimal weight. And for diabetics, control the level of glucose in the blood.
7. It is useful to eat lentils for men and women who are faced with problems of conceiving children. Also, culture normalizes the work of the thyroid gland and the endocrine system as a whole. Lentil grains make nails strong and white.
8. Doctors unanimously say that legumes are useful when germinated. These grains contain organic iron, which contributes to the production of new blood cells and the general cleansing of the circulatory system. Ultimately, the hemoglobin rises from eating beans.
9. Potassium improves mental activity, increases physical endurance, promotes quick calming after stress. Vitamin C allows a person to recover from an illness, as well as strengthen the body during a cold. In combination, the listed elements are a decent prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiac arrhythmias.
10. Lentils are especially valuable for the liver. To cleanse and restore the internal organ, it is better to prepare soups or liquid bean-based purees. This will cleanse the liver of harmful waste products, metals and toxins. Throughout the treatment, it is necessary to quit smoking, drinking alcohol and sweet pastries.
11. It is advisable to introduce lentils into the daily menu for people with pancreatitis. Dietary fiber enhances the motor functions of the stomach and intestines, thereby protecting the mucous membranes. In order not to cause harm, it is recommended to consume no more than 30 grams. product per day.
12. The grains are beneficial to the skin of the face and body. Incoming amino acids fight wrinkles, trace elements restore water balance, vitamins are responsible for the natural production of collagen. It is necessary to make masks from boiled beans with the addition of honey, kefir, essential oils.
13. Lentils are truly valuable for people with type 2 diabetes. Grains inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates in the blood, increase the production of natural insulin and lower blood sugar. After heat treatment, lentils retain their benefits.

1. A woman who is carrying a child should take care not only of her health, but also of the condition of the unborn baby. A small bowl of boiled lentils will fill the lack of iron, which protects adults and children from anemia.
2. 2 grains of grains contain the daily rate of folic acid. The element is responsible for the full development of the fetus and prevents the formation of birth defects.
3. Lentils are high in protein, which forms the baby's bones and increases the level of protein in the mother's body. The enzyme is easily absorbed and easily converted into energy. Protein is responsible for the development of baby tissues at the cellular level, develops the muscle tissue of the fetus.
4. The potassium contained in the culture normalizes the mental state of the mother, normalizes high blood pressure, and prevents heart defects in the unborn baby.
5. Legumes are rich in “right” carbohydrates, which are slowly absorbed by the bloodstream and maintain a positive attitude for a long time. The mom-to-be will no longer get depressed over trifles, more often being in high spirits.
6. Many women in the position have difficulty with stool, suffering from constipation. The presence of fiber will solve this problem, the expectant mother will normalize the digestive tract and increase metabolism.

Benefits of lentils for athletes

1. Lentils are an excellent source of protein, which is why they are introduced into the diet of athletes and people leading an active lifestyle.
2. In the process of intensive training, muscle tissue is actively rebuilt. For this reason, it is important to include protein and amino acids in the diet, which support the process of muscle tissue formation.
3. The iron and zinc content allows you to maintain endurance throughout your workout. To achieve results and get all the benefits, the culture is recommended to be combined with meat, egg or milk. Thus, you will increase the nutritional value and improve the digestibility of the food.
4. To eliminate bloating and unpleasant symptoms in the stomach, soak the lentils in cold water for 4-5 hours before cooking the lentils. Then drain the liquid and proceed to heat treatment.

Benefits of lentils for women

1. Legumes are considered a storehouse of B-group vitamins, in particular vitamin B9. The element is responsible for the formation of methionine and cysteine ​​- amino acids necessary for the female reproductive system.
2. Folic acid protects the mammary glands from the formation of malignant and benign tumors, stopping cancer cells. Incoming micro and macro elements are responsible for the beauty of hair and skin.
3. Isoflavones, or phytoestrogens, reduce hot flashes during menopause, tone the heart muscle, normalize blood pressure, promote the absorption of calcium and glucose, and slow down premature aging of tissues.
4. Regular and dosed consumption of lentils maintains body weight at an optimal level, reduces hormone surges, fills cavities in bones and builds muscles. As a result, fast carbohydrates are not absorbed, and slow ones allow you to keep your psyche on a pleasant wave.
5. During periods of PMS, a woman suffers from mood swings, apathy, depression and irritability. Lentils include tryptophan, an amino acid that speeds up the production of the hormone of happiness. Frequent consumption of grains will eliminate bad mood and constant fatigue, as well as relieve possible lower back pain.

1. The strong half of humanity is recommended to eat red or brown lentils. The listed varieties fight against male "impotence", relieve inflammation in the prostate gland.
2. If you combine lentils with targeted medications, you increase blood circulation in the genital area, stop the risk of prostatitis, and speed up the functions of nerve impulses.
3. It is useful for men aged 40+ to eat legumes of all kinds to prevent heart attacks and strokes. It is known that it is the strong half of the population that most often suffers from such ailments.
4. For a full erection, the penis must constantly "fill" with blood. Beans help cleanse blood vessels and normalize blood flow.
5. Athletic men need to keep fit through regular exercise. If you include lentil grains in the menu, you will increase endurance, quickly gain mass, and strengthen muscle tissue in general.

Lentil damage

1. Overuse of beans can lead to bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, and intestinal waste.
2. Lysine, included in lentils, has an unpleasant property to accumulate in the body. If you constantly overeat meals with beans, you run the risk of neoplasms in the form of kidney stones.
3. The culture is rich in potassium, a mineral that can disrupt heart function and even lead to numbness in the limbs. Dose daily servings.

Edible lentils are widely used for medical purposes, cooking and even cosmetology. Every specialist and ordinary person wants to get the maximum benefit from the grains. There are also some contraindications to use that should be considered.

Video: how to cook and boil lentils

In this review, we will tell you about such a food product as lentils, its benefits and harms for humans, let's see how it grows, what varieties are, share the advice of doctors, learn how to choose and cook lentils correctly, and share a recipe for making delicious porridge.

It is one of the first artificially cultivated foods. Mentions about her can be found in biblical stories. Since the Middle Ages, lentils in Russia were the main food product. Therefore, it is strange that few people are familiar with this product now. This means that our compatriots do not know how it grows and looks, what is its use.

Finally, groats appeared on the shelves of our stores and are slowly becoming popular. She especially fell in love with nutritionists, there were many lentil diets.

Description of lentils, composition and calorie content

The Latin name for lentils is Lens, it is a short herbaceous annual of the legume family. Stem with feathery, alternate leaves, strongly branching. Flowers are white, medium-sized. The fruit is a short bean, contains 1 or 3 seeds inside, flattened on both sides.

The culture is unpretentious, resistant to frost and drought. Grows on any soil, light-requiring. Weakly susceptible to disease, not afraid of pests.

Before flowering, growth is slow, after flowering, development is rapid. It is useful to plant in summer cottages, fertilizes the soil well. Ripening is uneven, the lower beans reach maturity before the upper pods.


The uniqueness of lentils in a rich composition, it contains many vitamins and minerals. Moreover, its caloric content is only 310.5 kcal per 100 grams of substance. There are many B vitamins in it:

• B 1 or thiamine, is involved in the regulation of the work of internal organs
• B 2 or riboflavin, is involved in the functioning of the ovaries, thyroid gland, affects the skin and hair
• B 3 or nicotinic acid, participates in oxidative and metabolic processes

In addition, the composition is rich in vitaminami A, C, E, PP. A lot of folic acid, more than other plant foods. An important component of cereals:

1. trace elements - chlorine, sulfur, K, Na, Mg, phosphorus
2. macroelements - aluminum and boron, Fe, Cu and nickel, fluorine, zinc and selenium, silicon and iodine, important for the body, bromine (which makes us calm and patient)

Lentil beans are a source of vegetable protein (26%), fiber (16-18%), carbohydrates (53%), fats (0.6-2%) and amino acids, sufficient for the full functioning of the body.

Lentils - benefits and harms for adults and children

Supporters of healthy eating probably know the lentil cereal, the benefits and harms of it are also known to them. We will also get acquainted with this useful information. Lentils taste like peas, although some people find them tasteless. She can easily replace meat products, moreover, she is easier to digest.

This the culture is considered environmentally friendly because it does not absorb agricultural chemicals. Does not accumulate radionucleides, toxins and nitrates.

Grain is useful in losing weight. Due to the minimum amount of fat and high protein content, it is actively used in sports nutrition for rapid muscle building.

It is important that lentil groats are the only ones that does not lose its beneficial properties for any processing... They are preserved during cooking, canning, drying. The main benefits are:

• in maintaining and strengthening the immune system
• in the normalization of blood glucose levels, as a result of which it is indicated in diabetes mellitus
• in improving metabolism, getting rid of constipation, normalizing intestinal motility, preventing intestinal tumors, cleansing the body of toxins
• in normalizing the work of the genitourinary system, indicated for problems with the conception of children
• folic acid is involved in arresting the growth of cancer cells
• has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous and cardiac systems
• useful for low hemoglobin
• due to its enveloping properties, it is useful for peptic ulcer disease, gastritis
• regulates the work of the endocrine system, thyroid gland
• has a beneficial effect on mental and physical activity
• indispensable for maintaining the beauty of skin, hair and nails, participates in the production of collagen
• regulates lipid metabolism in the body, lowers cholesterol levels
• and the best part - due to the high content of tryptophan, the hormone of happiness "serotonin" is produced, which means that vitality increases, it is enough to eat cereal three times a week

In addition, based on the Latin name for grain Lens, which in turn comes from lentus - slow, it can be argued that the use of lentil products makes us patient and calm.

Grains will be especially useful in the spring, with vitamin deficiency. Recommended for the treatment of colds and seasonal diseases, anemia, pneumonia.

Doctors see particular benefit in isoflavones contained in culture, due to their ability to oppress the development of cancerous tumors.

Due to its high content of folic acid, lentils are useful for women in the prevention of breast tumors. The phytoestrogens contained in it help in a difficult climacteric period, are able to regulate the hormonal background.

They help fight hot flashes, reduce blood pressure, and normalize the mental state. And what is especially pleasant, they slow down the aging of the body. Regular consumption of cereals helps to keep weight at a normal level, so it is useful to use it in weight loss.

The cereal will be of great benefit during pregnancy, thanks to its composition rich in vitamins and minerals. Makes the muscles elastic, this will help during childbirth. Due to the high content of dietary fiber, plant fiber, digestion is normalized.

Benefits for men

The unique cereal helps fight sexual impotence in men. Participates in the treatment of inflammation of the prostate gland, prostatitis. Reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Beans cleanse blood vessels well.

The lentil diet increases endurance, strengthens the muscle corset, and promotes rapid muscle growth without weight gain.

Usefulness for children

Lentil beans play an important role in the children's diet. But you can introduce it into the diet not earlier than 8 months... Some doctors advise feeding a child with lentils from 2 years old, especially if there are problems with the digestive tract.

Beans are rich in vegetable protein, which is easier to digest than meat. The main thing is to observe the diet and dosage. Give food with lentils no more than once every two weeks, start with a teaspoon at a time, gradually increasing the dose.

The harm of lentils to the body

Along with the benefits, in some cases, lentils can be harmful. And you need to know about this:

1. so, it can lead to increased gas production, spasms, therefore, in case of intestinal diseases and dysbiosis, it should not be eaten
2. cereal is digested for a long time, therefore, with an unhealthy stomach, it is better to eat it in the form of mashed potatoes or porridge
3. the product is rich in potassium, an overdose can lead to impaired cardiac activity, numbness of the limbs and the development of urolithiasis

Do not overeat lentil dishes, dose portions. Individual intolerance is not excluded.

According to doctors, sprouted cereals are especially useful... Sprouted lentils have a high potassium content, which has a very beneficial effect on the activity of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, doctors advise it for atherosclerosis and arrhythmias.

In addition to vitamins and minerals (as in dry grains), it contains many different amino acids. This contributes to the normalization of the functioning of all organs and systems. The germinated culture exhibits a strong antioxidant effect, delays the development of oncological diseases.

In a germinated culture, all useful substances are in a form that is more suitable for assimilation. And the concentration of medicinal substances increases hundreds of times compared to dry grains.

The process is pretty straightforward. You need to start by choosing quality grain. We select whole grains of the same size. We place them in a glass jar and fill ¾ with water. On the first day, the process takes place at room temperature. On the second day it is kept at t 15º.

By the end of the second day, edible sprouts appear. Sprouted beans can be stored for no more than 5 days in the refrigerator. As you can see, everything is simple and accessible, no skills or equipment are required.

You can eat sprouted groats as an independent dish, or you can add them to salads, first courses and side dishes. In any case, it is able to saturate the body with high-grade nutrients.

Lentils for diabetes

Nutrition plays an important role in the life of a diabetic. You have to take into account a lot of things - calories, composition, intake regimen, glycemic index. Therefore, people with diabetes need to know everything about food.

Depending on the type of disease course (insulin-dependent or non-insulin dependent diabetes), a different set of products is recommended. Lentils are a versatile product that can be consumed by type 1 and 2 diabetics.

It contains easily digestible carbohydrates and proteins necessary for the patient, which are quickly digested and do not raise the value of sugar in the blood.

In addition to ready-made lentil dishes, an infusion of green stems of lentil culture will have a beneficial effect on the health of a diabetic. It regulates metabolic processes in the body, the work of the pancreas, stimulates the functions of digestion, lowers the level of glucose in the blood.

For its preparation, take 1 tbsp. l. finely chopped raw materials, steamed in 200 ml of boiling water for 1 hour. It is taken strained, before meals, 25 ml three times a day, in a course of 30 days twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Slimming lentils

Let's find out how lentil grains are able to lose weight. And how to use them for weight loss without harm to health.

The secret of losing weight lies in the composition of the product. So, vitamins of group B and A help burn calories, dull the feeling of hunger. Niacin is involved in the breakdown of fats. The vegetable fat content is extremely low. And proteins are found in large quantities and have a beneficial effect on metabolism.

In order for the process of losing weight to be beneficial and satisfying, certain rules must be followed:

• for dietary purposes it is necessary to cook from pre-soaked cereals
• red varieties of crops are optimal for use
• the period of feeding only with lentils is no more than a week, with a repeat no earlier than a month later
• strict adherence to the drinking regime, drink up to 1.5 liters of water per day

A lentil diet can be comprised of many healthy foods and is limited only by your imagination. In addition to lentils, you can eat vegetables and some fruits, such as apples. This will allow you to get all the required substances and reduce weight.

Following these simple tips, you can easily choose the best dishes for yourself and lose weight tasty and healthy. Still, it is better to consult a nutritionist.

The main types of edible lentils

Most often, several main types of crops are used for food. It is impossible to say definitely which one is more useful. They all have a similar composition. Therefore, we will briefly consider everything.

1. Green, its peculiarity is that by the time of collection it does not have time to ripen. It does not boil during cooking. It is most often used in the preparation of side dishes, salads, main courses. It is especially useful for cholecystitis, pyelonephritis, rheumatism.
2. Brown the most popular, has a delicate nutty taste. Used in the preparation of pies and desserts, as well as salads and soups. Recommended for people with muscle spasms, sore airways, fragile bones.
3. Red, is used in the preparation of first courses and mashed potatoes due to its fast cooking. Has a spicy look, taste and aroma. Indicated for people with anemia.
4. Black, fine, refined groats, after boiling the grains retain their original appearance. First courses and side dishes are prepared from it. It is useful for diseases of the stomach and intestines.
5. French, or "Puy" cereal with a greenish tinge, but fully ripe, has a pleasant taste and aroma.
6. Yellow, it is a polished variety of black culture.
7. Poppet, light gray flat croup, with a yellowish or greenish tinge. Affects blood sugar levels. Indicated for patients with diabetes mellitus for use twice a week.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of grains for every taste. But in Russia, only 3 types of cereals are generally available - red, brown and green. Regardless of the choice, everyone has healing properties. And any is irreplaceable in the fight against cancer.

When choosing a product, one should pay attention to the color. It should be smooth and the grains should be dry, smooth and silky. We recommend purchasing lentils with whole grains and clear packaging.
Watch the video on how to choose the right grain:

• before boiling, the beans are thoroughly washed with cold water
• before cooking, do not soak the cereals, put the grain in boiling water, then reduce the heat and cook for 30 minutes or 1.5 hours, depending on the variety
• for salads it is not required to cook for a long time
• during cooking, do not add soda to the water, spoil the taste
• add salt, vinegar (or lemon juice) and tomato paste to ready-made dishes
• do not add water during cooking
• the product goes well with garlic and onions

Despite the fact that it is not required to soak the grain, this procedure will remove gas-forming sugars from it, and facilitate the assimilation process. For this purpose, you can hold the beans in water until they swell for about 2 to 4 hours.

Unlike other legumes, lentil grains have a fairly thin skin, which contributes to quick boiling. Grits are boiled at the rate of 1 part of grain to 2 parts of water. Boiled lentil grits can be frozen, while it perfectly preserves its properties.

What time of day to use

If there are no health problems, that is, it can be done regularly, but not daily, up to 2 times a week. The best time to eat lentil dishes is in the evening.

Groats are rich in fiber, which helps the digestion process. In addition, it promotes restful, sound sleep.

Despite the fact that purchased lentils are an environmentally friendly product, many people prefer to grow them on their own. She only benefits from this. Moreover, this process is not complicated. The growing process begins:

• with a choice of good large seeds - for example, steppe or Dnipropetrovsk, before sowing, the seeds can be soaked in a solution of 2% aloe, then dried
• then soil preparation - it should be loose loamy, not acidic, well fertilized with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers
• well-moistened soil
• the growing temperature should be at least 5 ° C, usually it is the end of March, April
• regular weeding, especially for the first 2 weeks, so that the weeds do not crush the plantings

At least 1.5 months pass before the flowering period. After flowering, the culture begins to actively grow and branch. The first fruits appear at the end of August, in September. If all conditions are met, then a good harvest is ensured.

There are many versions of lentil dishes. It is suitable for cereals, soups, salads, mashed potatoes and pastries. It goes well with other cereals, spices and vegetables. Lentil dishes are very nutritious and perfect for fasting.

Try a delicious red lentil porridge in the multicooker. Prepare:

1. 200 grams of red cereal grains
2. 400 ml water
3. onions and carrots 1 pc each
4. 2 medium tomatoes or 50 gr. tomato paste
5. salt, pepper, garlic - to taste
6. olive oil

Pour oil into the multicooker bowl, add chopped vegetables, simmer for 10 minutes. Add washed cereals, water, tomato paste. Then we cook in the "porridge" mode for 25 minutes. Add salt, garlic, pepper to the finished dish.

Now you know more about such a food product as lentils, its benefits and harms for humans, you saw how it grows, what varieties are, read the advice of doctors, learned how to choose and cook lentils correctly, and added a routine porridge recipe to your piggy bank.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Start eating not only tasty, but also healthy. And the result will not be long in coming.

Lentils are the small, flat seed of an annual plant in the legume family. Lentils are rich in vegetable protein and have been eaten since prehistoric times. Brown lentils (sometimes called continental lentils) give a light nutty flavor when cooked; it is often added to stews and casseroles, as well as salads. Red lentils are used in Asian cuisine. It has a light spicy aroma and is added to the Indian dish dal. Lentil flour is used to make vegetarian bread and pies. Lentils are sold dry or canned.

Lentils are one of the most ancient cultivated plants. Archaeologists have found large quantities of its grains in pile structures of the Bronze Age (on the islands of Lake Biens in Switzerland). The ancient Egyptians prepared various dishes from lentils, baked bread from lentil flour. In ancient Greece, there was a proverb: An intelligent person always cooks his lentils well. In ancient Rome, lentils were very popular, in particular, as a medicine.

There are a lot of varieties of lentils, the most common are brown, red, lentils, beluga and pui varieties.

Brown lentils are perhaps in the first place - in America, for example, it is from this variety that soups with vegetables and various herbs are prepared.

Red lentils boil faster than other "sisters", so they are used when there is little time for cooking - literally in 10-15 minutes you can already enjoy a fragrant hot dish made from the bean "queen". Digested red lentils make a delicious, nutritious gruel.

The smallest lentil seeds resemble caviar, so this variety was called "beluga" - like beluga caviar, they are round and black.

And the most fragrant is puy (black-green). It is also called French green lentils or "dark motley". The name was given to her by a French town, where this variety of lentils was bred. This “queen” will take the longest to cook, but it is a favorite component of various salads by cooks - due to its elasticity, the puy does not boil over and retains its shape even when stirring and adding sour sauces. Has a bright taste and spicy (pepper) aroma.

Calorie content of lentils

Raw lentils contain 106 kcal. The product is free of fat, which allows overweight people to consume it, but it does contain carbohydrates that provide long-lasting satiety. In boiled lentils 111 kcal. Fried lentils have only 101 calories.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of lentils

Lentils contain a large amount of plant protein, which is easily absorbed by the body, while the content of sulfuric amino acids and tryptophan in lentils is lower than in other legumes. Lentils contain less fat than peas and are an excellent source of iron. The advantages include the speed of preparation of lentils. Lentils contain more folate than any other food. One serving of cooked lentils contains 90% of the RDA for folate. Lentils contain soluble fiber, which improves digestion and deflects the prospect of rectal cancer. Lentil porridge stimulates metabolism, improves immunity and normalizes the genitourinary system.

Lentil grain is distinguished by a high content of trace elements - calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, contains manganese, copper, molybdenum, boron, iodine, cobalt, zinc, fatty acids from the Omega-3, Omega-6 groups, and is also a good source vitamins of group B, contains vitamins PP, and sprouting grains - vitamin C.

By their nutritional properties, lentils can replace bread, cereals and, to a large extent, meat.

Lentils, like all legumes, are rich in trace elements, especially magnesium, which is necessary for the full functioning of the heart and nervous system, molybdenum and iron. In order for this iron to be well absorbed, lentil dishes must be served with a salad made from fresh vegetables rich in vitamin C - tomatoes, red peppers, fresh herbs. It is not in vain that almost all Indian lentil dishes are necessarily sprinkled with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Lentils are a very good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted into serotonin in the human body. As everyone knows, a lack of serotonin leads to depression, anxiety and just a bad mood, especially in the dark. Meanwhile, serotonin levels can be boosted with both whole grain rice, the most readily available source of tryptophan, and green lentils, or even better, continually cooking majadara, a mixture of rice and lentils that an Arabic proverb calls meat for the poor, hinting at whole protein. contained in this dish.

Lentils contain Isoflavones, which can suppress breast cancer. Isoflavones are preserved after processing, so feel free to buy canned lentils, dried or already in soup.

Some varieties of lentils, such as plate lentils, are recommended for diabetics 2 times a week to lower blood sugar levels. Lentil puree will help with stomach and duodenal ulcers, colitis.

A decoction of lentils (as well as a decoction of chickpeas and nouta) is recommended to be taken for urolithiasis. In ancient times, lentils were believed to help heal nervous disorders. Ancient Roman doctors argued that regular consumption of lentils makes a person calm and patient. Its potassium content is good for the heart. Lentils are also an excellent hematopoietic product.

Lentil porridge stimulates metabolism, improves immunity and normalizes the genitourinary system. Lentils boil well in 40 - 70 minutes, have a delicate and pleasant taste, and boiled lentils retain more than half of the useful vitamins and minerals.

From the point of view of Chinese medicine, lentils are considered a warming food, and if they are cooked with spices, their warming effect is greatly increased. Therefore, lentils, especially their soup, are very suitable for the winter diet of people in northern countries.

Dangerous properties of lentils

You can not use lentils for people suffering from gout, uric acid diathesis, and diseases of the joints, as well as diseases of the genitourinary system.

It should also be remembered that the product can cause stomach discomfort and fermentation processes, therefore it is undesirable for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, cardiovascular system and gall bladder to eat lentils.

Also, lentils provoke the appearance of kidney stones, so its use is contraindicated in various kidney diseases.

Do not eat lentils for people with hemorrhoids, as well as with difficulty urinating. In addition, frequent consumption of the product causes dry skin, therefore, people with skin diseases can eat lentils only after consulting a doctor.

However, lentils are often not worth eating as they reduce the absorption of certain nutrients.

From the video you will learn the history of the origin of lentils, the ways of its use in medicine and cosmetology, and also get acquainted with its useful properties.