Lentils, easy and healthy

Easy to prepare and healthy to eat. This forgotten gem can be used in various dishes and doesn't take much time. 

If you are a busy person, this is one gem you can not forget to use, it absorbs a lot of flavour and is more nitrious than rice or patatoes. Let me tell you what the benefits are.

A friend to your heart

Lentils lowers your cholesterol and manages blood sugar disorders, because they contains a lot of fibers. These fibers helps you to regulate your blood sugar. In a study that examed risk of death by food intake patterns, they discovered that people who eat a lot of legumes have a 82% reducing of risks in heart issues. Not only the fiber reduces the risks, but also the vitamins B which helps the metabolism, growing bloodcells and gives you energy. 
Magnesium is one good friend that also fits in that little lentil. Your veins need this, it improves the flow of blood, the nutrients in your body and oxygen. 

Energy boosting 

This is also a good replacement for meat, if you like to eat a vegetarian meal, because of the proteins. Iron is also one important thing, the iron in it gives you more energy. For woman who have their period, this gem will boost your iron stores. This is also important for transporting oxygen from your lungs to all of your body cells. It is a key element for your metabolism. Pregnant woman, children and adolescents will have an increased need for iron. So these lentils can not be forgotten. 

weight loss
Don't forget the vitamins it contains! Vitamin B1 and B6 are the most important.
This all for 230 calories in 200 grams! Lentils is a good replacement for meat, it contains the iron you need, but without the fat. The high fibers also help you with your metabolism, which will help you lose weight. Ofcourse it is not a miracle product, always remember not to overeat. Afterall it is a great product to use in your diet or a healthy daily life. 

how to store lentils

I always store my lentils in a container, best is to use an airtight container. Keep it in a dry, cool and dark place. If already have cooked the lentils, you can keep them fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days in a covered container. 


cooking tips

You don't need to presoak these gems, so you can prepare them anytime of the day. Make sure you clean it well, make sure you remove all the little stones or debris.

Red lentils requires 20 minutes of cooking and green ones usually 30 minutes. If you are going to use them in a soup, make sure you cook them 5 - 10 minutes less than usual. If you want to make a more softer dish, like indian dal, than you can cook them 10 - 15 minutes more.

little recipes

For a japanese touch: cook them with soba noodles, small veggies (carrots, brocolli, leeks ec.) dress it with grated or thinly sliced garlic, ginger and if you like coriander.

For a eastern soup : cook the lentils with diced veggies and a little soy sauce. Add cumin, tumeric and cayenne, top it off with coriander. 

For a western salad: use the cooked lentils with choppes sweet peppers with your favourite salad and dressing. like a nice vinaigrette. 



Hope to see you soon and enjoy