Lentils - how they are useful and how to cook them correctly

Is it possible to eat lentils during pregnancy?

While carrying a child, the expectant mother often has dietary restrictions for various reasons related to health conditions.

But lentils during pregnancy are one of the products that are very difficult to do without without depriving the unborn baby of essential elements and vitamins. Therefore, a woman expecting a child needs to get acquainted with this representative of the legume family and make it part of her diet.

The wonderful properties of lentils

The statement that pregnancy, the most important stage in the life of every woman, is beyond doubt. The expectant mother wants to see her child smart, healthy, beautiful, and the long period of gestation is colored with pleasant thoughts about expecting a miracle.

But along with various reasons, the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child is greatly influenced by good nutrition. It must be said that lentils are completely undeservedly relegated to the back shelf by our women.

Everyone knows peas and beans and they prepare very tasty dishes from these legumes. But lentils, like the stepdaughter of an evil stepmother, often end up on the margins. Many, even experienced housewives, do not pamper such an important product with their attention. And in vain.

Lentils, and these are not big words, are a real storehouse of essential vitamins and microelements necessary for the expectant mother and for the construction and formation of all body systems of the unborn baby.

Beneficial properties of lentils for the pregnant woman's body

If we talk about the main advantages of lentils, then they are:

• Successfully fights constipation.
• Increases immunity, helps to escape from vitamin deficiency, containing vitamin C.
• Containing potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, they normalize the functioning of the nervous system and cardiovascular system, strengthen the heart muscle, and increase hemoglobin.
• The presence of folic acid in lentils prevents abnormalities in the development of the neural tube in the fetus and promotes the proper formation of the spine.
• And, as a rule, pregnant women are prescribed folic acid supplements during this period. Lentils are rich in this substance, so the expectant mother should definitely eat dishes from this valuable product 2-3 times a week.
• The presence of vitamin B5 improves cerebral circulation, preventing headaches.
• And the presence of tryptophan in lentils, which is converted into serotonin in the body, helps a pregnant woman cope with stress, improving her mood.
• The high fiber content allows the expectant mother to not experience difficulties with the gastrointestinal tract, get rid of constipation, promoting regular bowel movement.

Lentils are also distinguished by a whole list of microelements that are important for building the cells of a growing baby. Just 100 g of lentils contain a daily dose of silicon, molybdenum, and magnesium. The presence of selenium, potassium, and phosphorus is slightly below the daily norm.

To prevent low hemoglobin levels, iron-rich lentils are recommended to be consumed with vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C for complete absorption.

Such an impressive list of the wonderful qualities of this crop certainly shows that lentils for pregnant women are simply necessary, and a rare product can compete with it in its irreplaceability for use during this crucial period for a woman.

Possible harm from lentils

Like any other product, lentils have their shadow sides and you need to pay attention to them.

• Women with gastrointestinal problems and diseases need to listen to their body.
• If you suffer from increased gas formation or nausea, then you will have to eat this type of legume less often or completely eliminate it from your diet.
• Lentils are also not recommended for pregnant women with kidney disease.
• And women who are overweight need to be a little more careful due to the high calorie content of lentil dishes.

Lentil porridge for pregnant women

For expectant mothers for whom lentils are not contraindicated, the simplest dish that does not require long preparation is lentil porridge. It's very easy to prepare.

Cooking lentil porridge

Soak the lentils for 20 minutes. After soaking, drain the old water and add new water. Boil the lentils until the consistency of porridge. And, when it is almost ready, add to it a pre-prepared mixture of onions, carrots, and butter.

The mixture can be prepared in any suitable manner. You can simmer it a little on the stove, or you can cook it in the microwave.

And a wonderful dish for expectant mothers is ready!

Source: https://mama-news.ru/materinstvo/mozhno-li-chechevitsu-pri-beremennosti.html

General information about lentils

Many avoid getting acquainted with lentils due to simple ignorance of how to handle this product. With beans and peas, everything is more or less clear, but lentils are a food that has not been so studied.

Meanwhile, it’s easy to “get along” with it: you need to sort out the grains (this is done quickly), and you can soak it for only 20-30 minutes. During this time, all the so-called “harmfulness” from lentils will disappear.

Although the harmfulness is spoken of symbolically, this product does not accumulate toxic elements.

. This is truly an environmentally friendly product.

Dishes made from these grains are very nutritious; lentils contain protein

, which is why this plant from the legume family is loved by vegetarians and fasting people.
Lentils contain a lot of complex carbohydrates, but very little fat
.

The product is rich in nicotinic acid

, the lack of which can be fraught with dementia. There is a lot of this vitamin in meat, so those who refuse it should not ignore lentils as a product.

Lentils - Good Morning program

Why lentils are useful during pregnancy: 2 types of wonderful plants

It is so customary that for lunch or dinner in our area they usually eat meat and a side dish for it. At the same time, many people prefer porridge, beans or potatoes as a side dish. Buckwheat, pasta, potatoes, rice, peas, pearl barley and wheat are the main dishes that are prepared as a complement to meat.

However, sooner or later this list gets boring and you want something unexpected. To diversify your diet, you don’t have to buy any exotic products; you can use what’s available in every supermarket. Lentils are an excellent option for preparing the main dish.

This legume has a pleasant taste and wonderful texture, but, unfortunately, not many people know how tasty and healthy this product is. But eating lentils can bring many benefits, especially during pregnancy.

Let's talk about this amazing legume and figure out what its exceptional benefits are.

The benefits of lentils for women during pregnancy

Many people love legumes for their soft texture and rich flavor. However, for some reason, dishes made from peas and beans are more common than dishes made from lentils. But if you try to prepare this delicious product, you will no longer be able to refuse it.

Lentil beans have been found in the tombs of the pharaohs. Therefore, this plant is considered one of the first cultivated products.

Lentils are an environmentally friendly plant that does not accumulate toxins. It is rich in protein and other beneficial microelements, which is why it is loved by vegetarians. Expectant mothers should not give up lentils either, because they can prepare the female body for lactation and bring many benefits.

Benefits of lentils for pregnant women:

1. Lentils have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It eliminates heartburn and constipation.
2. The large amount of vitamin B and other vitamins makes lentils an excellent remedy against vitamin deficiency. This legume is also useful for boosting immunity.
3. Lentils contain potassium. Thanks to this, it promotes the formation of new blood cells.
4. It is believed that lentils may act as a preventative against breast cancer;
5. This legume has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and nervous system. This is due to the large amount of potassium and magnesium contained in it.
6. Thanks to lentils, serotonin is better formed, which is called the hormone of joy. This plant exerts this effect due to the tryptophan it contains.
7. Substances contained in lentils help slow down the aging process.
8. Normalizes blood pressure.
9. Porridge and lentil soup will not let you gain weight. This legume is considered a dietary product.
10. Lentils are incredibly beneficial for breastfeeding.

As you can see, lentils are incredibly useful not only during pregnancy, but also in everyday life. This side dish can be consumed in small quantities even by a nursing mother.

Red lentils: benefits and harms

Red lentils have a spicy taste and pronounced aroma. It cooks well, and therefore can be an excellent base for soups and purees. After cooking, it becomes soft and gets rid of the skin.

To make the lentils softer and cook faster, you need to soak them in cool water for half an hour.

Red lentils have many beneficial properties. It is much healthier than peas or beans.

Properties of lentils:

1. Red lentils help reduce blood cholesterol levels. This cleanses the blood vessels and reduces the risk of stroke.
2. Red lentils help relieve constipation. It also helps get rid of other digestive diseases.
3. Lentils contain large amounts of folic acid and magnesium, which are especially necessary for pregnant women. With a lack of these substances, various pathologies of the fetus are possible.
4. Red lentils can normalize blood sugar levels.
5. This legume also contains iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, it is recommended to include lentils in your diet if you have low hemoglobin.

Like all foods, lentils have their drawbacks. It has properties that, if used incorrectly, can cause harm to the body.

Harm of red lentils:

1. Lentils, like all legumes, can cause flatulence. Therefore, this product is not very useful for people with intestinal diseases.
2. Lentils can speed up the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, if you already suffer from such a disease, consume lentils in very limited quantities.
3. If salts are deposited in the joints, you should also not overuse lentils. Otherwise, this plant may accelerate the progression of the disease.

In most cases, red lentils can only bring benefits to the body. However, if you have contraindications, then you should not abuse this product. But even in this case, you can afford to eat a small portion of lentils from time to time.

Green lentils: benefits and harm

Green lentils are in no way inferior to red ones in terms of the number of beneficial properties. This beautiful legume is harvested while still unripe, and therefore contains large quantities of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Not all expectant mothers know how beneficial green lentils are, but this type of lentil is considered the healthiest legume.

Green lentils are beneficial for everyone to include in their daily diet. This legume is especially necessary for those who are on a diet, fasting or pregnant.

Indications for consumption of green lentils:

• Lentils literally have a healing effect on hypertension;
• This legume is useful to use for symptoms of ulcers;
• Lentils have a beneficial effect in the treatment of cholecystitis;
• For pyelonephritis, you should also pay attention to this product;
• Lentils are also useful for hepatitis;
• Hepatitis can be cured using lentils.

Lentils are not a medicine, but they contain microelements that, in combination with medications, can help overcome a lot of diseases. Contraindications for green lentils are the same as for red ones. Here, these two types of legumes are absolutely no different.

Which lentils are healthier?

Many women who watch their diet ask: “Which lentils are healthier, red or green?” It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally, despite the fact that green lentils are recognized as the healthiest legume. However, both types of lentils contain a large amount of useful substances.

In addition to green and red lentils, orange legumes of this variety are sometimes displayed on store shelves. Such lentils are useful for bone injuries, poor nervous system and tuberculosis.

So, both types of lentils are equally healthy. We advise you to use both options. After all, red lentils look better in some dishes, and green lentils look better in others.

Which type of lentils is best suited for which dishes:

• For salads, choose green lentils. It is more aromatic and stronger, and therefore less boiled.
• Green lentils are also better suited as a side dish for meat. In this case, it is better to season it with fried and raw green onions.
• It is more convenient to make porridge or puree from red lentils. It cooks better, has a smooth texture and a wonderful aroma.
• It is also better to add red lentil soup. It will cook faster and impart its piquant aroma to the food.

During pregnancy, you can use lentils to prepare absolutely any of the following dishes. However, look at the expiration date of the product. Sprouted lentils are especially valued. It is widely known among vegetarians.

Lentil dishes: benefits, harm and recipes

In order for lentils to be tasty and bring only benefits, you must follow the recipe for its preparation. There are many ways to prepare this legume, but we have chosen the most convenient and delicious ones for you.

Methods for preparing lentils:

1. Sort out a glass of lentils, add five glasses of water and leave to soak for half an hour. Cook the beans in the same pan until completely softened.
2. Fry the meat until done. Place carrots and onions in the remaining oil after frying. Fry the vegetables, add broth and tomato juice. Add meat to soup and simmer for at least 1 hour. You will get lentil soup.

These simple recipes are perfect for every day. After experimenting a little with cooking methods, you will see that lentils can be used both in festive and everyday life.

Nutrition for pregnant women: benefits of lentils (video)

Lentils are a tasty and healthy legume. It contains large amounts of plant protein and can be used for a variety of purposes.

Source: https://mamafm.ru/beremennost/pitanie/chem-polezna-chechevitsa

The benefits of lentils for women during pregnancy

You should know that dishes prepared from lentils are an excellent prevention of pathologies of fetal development. It can be argued that if for a woman in her everyday life the consumption of lentils is simply desirable, then during the period of waiting for the baby it is simply necessary for the expectant mother. Thanks to the huge amount of folic acid, the risks of fetal malformations are reduced. And the proteins of this product are an excellent building material for the baby. In addition, lentils contain a significant supply of potassium, which helps regulate blood circulation and prevent sudden increases in blood pressure. There is no need to worry about anemia due to the high iron content. Thanks to lentils, the correct formation of the nervous and vascular system of the fetus occurs.

Lentils during pregnancy

Never tried lentils? Don't be upset! Pregnancy is the right time to fall in love with this product. There is no need to push the bag filled with lentils to the far shelf. You can prepare a lot of healthy dishes from it.

Lentils come in different colors. It can be colored red, brown or green. One thing remains unchanged: the product tastes good!

In ancient Egypt, lentils were considered an aphrodisiac that increased sexual desire. Jews have long been of the opinion that soup made from this legume is a healthy food worthy of noble people!

Composition and beneficial properties of lentils

Lentils normalize the functioning of the digestive tract. The product improves immunity and helps fight vitamin deficiency. Lentils help slow down the aging process and eliminate chronic fatigue.

The product contains a large amount of potassium. Therefore, lentils improve the condition of the cardiovascular system. The product reduces the likelihood of a low-quality tumor.

Magnesium contained in lentils has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It also contains tryptophan. This substance takes part in the formation of serotonin in the body.

In addition, lentils contain B vitamins. They help normalize blood pressure.

Importance of the product during pregnancy

Lentils are considered a “female product”. It helps cope with premenstrual symptoms. Lentils are recommended to be eaten during menopause. The product must certainly be present on the menu of a pregnant woman.

Lentils can combat the following problems:

• Iron-deficiency anemia;
• increased fatigue;
• nervous disorders;
• frequent constipation;
• excess body weight.

Lentils are rich in folic acid. It prevents the appearance of congenital defects of the brain and nervous system in a child. Folic acid helps remove harmful substances from the body.

Lentils contain protein necessary for the full development of fetal muscles. Moreover, the product is rich in fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol in the body and helps improve the functioning of the digestive organs.

If a pregnant woman suffers from frequent migraines, she should also buy a bag of lentils. The product is rich in vitamin B5. It helps resist stress and relieves headaches. Vitamin B5 improves blood supply to brain tissue.

Delicious lentil dishes

When purchasing lentils, you should pay attention to the following details:

• Condensation should not form on the surface of the bag with fresh lentils;
• a quality product smells like nuts;
• Lentils suitable for human consumption must be free of mold.

Important! Lentils absorb moisture very well, so it is recommended to store them in small fabric bags. The bag with the legume plant should be kept in a darkened and well-ventilated area. In a room with high humidity, lentils can spoil in 7 days. This circumstance should be remembered!

Lentils go perfectly with carrots, tomatoes, and sweet peppers. It can be used when preparing dishes from lamb, pork or veal. In order to emphasize the delicate taste of lentils, use basil, turmeric or celery. Salads are seasoned with both olive and vegetable oil.

Lentil soup is beneficial during pregnancy. A little pre-diluted garlic and aromatic herbs are usually added to the first dish. When preparing soups, it is recommended to boil the product until soft. You can add semi-hard lentil “coins” to salads.

Important! Lentils need to be cooked correctly. If a plant is subjected to prolonged heat treatment, most of the vitamins and minerals contained in it are lost. Therefore, it is not recommended to cook the product for more than 25 minutes.

Lentil porridge is a tasty and healthy dish!

The expectant mother should remember the recipe for its preparation. The following ingredients are added to the dish:

• 1 medium sized carrot;
• 2 cups lentils;
• 1 onion;
• salt;
• a small amount of vegetable oil.

Preparation:

1. First, you need to thoroughly rinse the lentils, then fill the product with water for twenty minutes.
2. After this, the liquid is drained.
3. Lentils are again mixed with water in a ratio of 1:2.
4. Add salt to the dish and place the dish on medium heat.
5. After the water boils, turn the heat to low.
6. After 25 minutes the porridge is turned off.
7. Carrots and onions, prepared in advance, are added to the dish.
8. The vegetables are first grated on a fine grater, mixed with vegetable oil and heated in the microwave for three minutes.
9. The finished dish can be sprinkled with a small amount of herbs.

Harm to the product

Lentils are digested quite slowly. Therefore, lentils should be eaten in small portions. Otherwise, a pregnant woman may experience unpleasant consequences such as stomach upset, nausea and headaches. For the expectant mother, such side effects pose a considerable danger, since the deterioration of her health negatively affects the condition of the baby.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid eating lentils, as the woman may experience increased toxicosis. If the expectant mother has kidney pathologies, joint diseases and diseases of the digestive tract, care must be taken when using the product.

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Source: https://spuzom.com/chechevica-pri-beremennosti.html

Let's talk about the benefits of lentils for women

Even in ancient times, when Asian peoples cultivated lentils, they took into account not only the fact that it is a food crop, but also that it is an excellent medicinal plant. Mention of it can also be found in Russian herbalists. Traditional medicine has long been interested in its healing properties.

Lentils contain an excellent set of vitamins and minerals that help maintain health. To begin with, it will be enough to remember what is included in this product. Due to the content of isoflavones (substances with antioxidant activity), regular consumption of lentils can:

— reduce the risk of developing breast cancer several times;

- prevent the growth of fibroids (the so-called benign tumors of the uterus).

Isoflavones cannot be destroyed during heat treatment, which means that all dishes prepared from lentils fully retain their beneficial properties.

Thanks to fiber, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. If women include lentils in their menu, they will reduce the severity of PMS and the negative manifestations of menopause.

Just one serving of lentils can satisfy 90% of an adult’s daily requirement for folic acid. This is of great importance: for expectant mothers, such a product is simply irreplaceable. Lentils are perfectly absorbed by the intestines. Very rarely, you may experience unpleasant sensations after eating legumes.

Lentils during pregnancy: benefits and harms

Being in an “interesting position,” every woman tries to eat healthy foods. In our article we will talk about a very interesting legume - lentils and its effect on the body of a pregnant woman.

What is useful for pregnant women

The benefits of lentils during pregnancy are very great. Unfortunately, many have not even tried this culture, but in vain, since it contains many useful substances .

1. The culture is rich in folic acid (vitamin B9), which is necessary to prevent birth defects in the unborn baby (anencephaly, spina bifida). Half a glass of legumes contains 179 mg of vitamin B9, and during pregnancy a woman’s body needs about 600 mg per day.
2. The proteins that make up lentils contribute to the proper development of muscles in the fetus and participate in the formation of new cells.
3. Due to the potassium content in the culture, proper blood circulation is ensured and blood pressure is normalized.
4. Fiber can cope with gastrointestinal disorders, prevent the gain of extra pounds, lower cholesterol levels, and relieve a pregnant woman from frequent constipation.
5. Thanks to the presence of vitamin B5, lentils improve the biological functions of the brain and help cope with migraines, stress and severe headaches.
6. Legumes are rich in iron, so eating them will protect you from anemia.
7. By regularly eating lentils, you can get rid of heartburn.
8. The product contains nicotinic acid (vitamin PP), which ensures normal fetal development.

Important! You should not consume the product every day and in large portions, since, despite the small amount of fat, it is quite high in calories.

The seeds also contain a lot of phosphorus and magnesium, calcium, sodium, manganese, copper and a microdose of selenium.

Can there be harm?

Lentils can be harmful for pregnant women in the following cases:

• beans are digested rather slowly, which can sometimes cause headaches, nausea or gastrointestinal disorders;
• If you have urolithiasis, it is better to avoid consuming this crop, as it can cause kidney stones.

Did you know? In Latin, lentils are called “lens”, which translates as “lens”. It was this word that became the basis for the name of optical, biconvex lenses, the shape of which is very similar to a grain of lentil.

How to choose the right one when purchasing

The crop is sold by weight or in packages. If you purchase a packaged product, be sure to inspect the packaging - it must be intact. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the quality of the crop :

• good lentils have a crumbly structure;
• when purchasing packaged legumes, pay attention that there should be no condensation on the surface of the package;
• the size and color of the beans must be the same;
• there should be no mold on the beans, small bugs in the packaging are unacceptable;
• The smell of high-quality legumes resembles nuts.

Important! Despite the many beneficial qualities of lentils, you should consult your doctor before consuming them - you may have any contraindications.

When purchasing packaged legumes, be sure to pay attention to the production date and expiration date.

How and where to store at home

The shelf life of lentils, if certain recommendations are followed, can be quite long. A distinctive feature of these legumes is that they absorb moisture well, so you should not store them in glass jars, bags or other containers in which condensation may accumulate. We recommend using the following tips:

• for storage, choose a dark, well-ventilated place;
• do not allow the crop to be exposed to direct sunlight, as it will quickly dry it out;
• if the humidity in the room is high, the beans will spoil in 7-10 days;
• Lentils should only be stored dry;
• do not store seeds near heat sources, as this may cause them to rot;
• use cardboard boxes or fabric bags for storage;
• Ensure that the storage container is sealed (bags, glass and sealed containers are not suitable).

If stored properly, beans can last up to 1 year. As for boiled lentils , you should pay attention to the following points:

• the maximum shelf life of boiled beans in the refrigerator is 6 days, but it is better to eat them in the first 3-4 days;
• If you freeze boiled porridge, you can store it for up to 6 months. After defrosting, its taste will remain the same, but the consistency may change slightly.

Over time, bean grains become dry, so we recommend not making large stocks and purchasing the quantities needed for cooking several times.

We advise you to read about the beneficial properties and options for consuming cereals during pregnancy: buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, peas, bran, millet.

Precautionary measures

Any product can be useful if consumed in reasonable quantities. In addition, before use, it is worth studying the contraindications and precautions. It is better to avoid lentils if you have:

• have chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• stones and other concretions in the kidneys have been identified;
• have hemorrhoids;
• there are joint diseases;
• have problems with urination;
• some skin diseases are present.

Composition and calorie content of lentils

More recently, when preparing a dish, people took care that it turned out not only tasty, but also satisfying. And for modern people, the benefits of the food they eat are no less important.

It is lentils that can meet all the stated requirements. This becomes clear from its micro- and macroelementary composition, calorie content and vitamin content. Just a few factors are pieces of the puzzle that describe the beneficial properties of lentils. One hundred grams of dry seeds contain 297 kcal. This portion contains:

- one and a half grams of fat,

- 23 grams of protein,

- approximately 46 - carbohydrates.

The seeds, as well as lentil dishes, are generous in fiber. Doctors value this culture for the fact that it contains calcium and potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, sodium and sulfur (these are all macroelements). It should be noted that there is a small number of people who have an individual intolerance to this product. That is why, no matter how tasty lentils are, they should be consumed in moderation, and in case of the mentioned diseases - with the permission of a doctor.

Eating lentils during pregnancy

The rich composition and high content of folic acid makes this product desirable on the menu of a woman expecting a child. It is only recommended to eat it in small portions.

Did you know? 100 g of dry lentil beans contains 479 mcg of folic acid, and in the boiled product - 181 mcg. During pregnancy, the daily intake of this vitamin is 400–600 mcg per day.

Indications for consumption of lentils

• This useful product is indicated for expectant mothers for the following reasons:
• Has a good effect on fetal development. The presence of vitamin B9 prevents the appearance of various types of defects in the unborn child (anencephaly, spina bifida). Nicotinic acid and zinc are also beneficial for fetal development.
• Contains vitamin B6, necessary for the proper development of the central nervous system. Against the background of a lack of this vitamin, early toxicosis and increased irritability in a pregnant woman usually develop.
• Useful for anemia as it contains a lot of iron. Promotes normal formation of muscle mass in the fetus due to its high protein content of plant origin. Normalizes blood pressure as it contains potassium.
• Prevents constipation and excess weight due to the large amount of fiber. Relieves headaches, improves brain activity. Helps with heartburn.
• Gives strength and causes a long-lasting feeling of fullness.

Contraindications for use

• Pregnant women should avoid consuming lentils in the following cases:
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• stones in the kidneys;
• joint diseases (gout);
• with difficulty urinating;
• flatulence.

Lentils - are they harmful for women?

Dishes made from this legume are an indispensable part of the menu for vegetarians, athletes and other people who care about their health and maintain weight. With the help of such a menu, those with atherosclerosis, diabetes, and genitourinary diseases will feel some relief.

But, despite so many positive qualities, this culture also has certain disadvantages. If lentils are considered so good, are they really harmful to women or is this just an assumption?

Contraindications to the use of lentils are inflammatory bowel diseases, which are associated with impaired motility. Thanks to fiber, an environment is created for the flora to develop normally. But if there is some problem with permeability, then plant fibers, when they swell, on the contrary, can become provocateurs of gas formation, colic and bloating. Therefore, if a period of exacerbation of the disease occurs, it is better not to eat legumes.

If there is a chronic disease of the compounds and uric acid diathesis, hemorrhoids and gastrointestinal diseases, lentils have no place on the menu.

This is what lentils are like. Such a culture can really bring harm to women. Because of this legume, bile formation can also increase. Thanks to bile, food is absorbed. But if too much of it is separated, this should not be allowed, especially if the background is poor conductivity of the excretory pathways. If there are stones in the gall bladder, lentils should be extremely rare on the menu.

It should be noted that there are a small number of people who have an individual intolerance to this product. That is why, no matter how tasty lentils are, they should be consumed in moderation, and in case of the mentioned diseases - with the permission of a doctor.

Lentils are a plant of the legume family. It grows in pods, like beans, but is prepared faster and easier than other types of the family.

Lentils are a natural source of high quality protein.

There are several types of lentils: green, red, brown and black. The most accessible and widespread are green and red lentils.

Lentil legume: benefits for women and their babies

Not only do lentils contain a lot of B vitamins, their seeds also contain a large amount of compounds whose effect on women’s bodies is similar to how hormones work. Phytoestrogens can ease the course of menopause, that is, they will equalize the heart rhythm, protect the female body from its destruction by cancer cells, normalize blood pressure, and maintain good performance and a stable mood.

What else can be said about the benefits of lentils for a woman’s body? It is precisely due to the fact that its seeds have nutritional value and purifiable properties that they participate in maintaining weight and muscle tone.

Tryptophan allows women to endure menstruation almost painlessly, and not suffer during pregnancy, after the birth of a baby, during menopause and PMS from frequent mood swings.

If we are talking about whether this crop can be put on a nursing mother’s menu and how lentils can affect the baby, then you need to know that an important feature of this type of legume is the complete absence of an allergic reaction, and gas formation does not increase. This is the difference between lentils and other related crops.

That's why, with moderate consumption, women's health will be at its best. Thanks to nourishing and healthy dishes from this culture, you can replenish the supply of essential nutrients, rid the body of waste and toxins, prevent anemia, and improve the quality of breast milk.

By the way, a mixture of oil and lentil flour has long been used as a soothing agent for the skin of babies.

Composition and calorie content of lentils

Lentils have a rich composition. It contains vitamins, minerals, folic acid, protein, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.

The composition of lentils relative to the daily norm of nutrients is presented below.

Vitamins:

• B1 – 14%;
• B6 – 10%;
• B3 – 6%;
• B2 – 5%;
• C – 2%.

Minerals:

The calorie content of lentils is 116 kcal per 100 g.

The beneficial properties of lentils increase its value. Regular consumption of lentils will improve your health and reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

For muscles

Protein is the main element of muscle tissue. You can get it in sufficient quantity from lentils. Lentils will help avoid muscle pain after physical activity and quickly restore them.

For the heart and blood vessels

Magnesium, which is part of lentils, improves blood circulation, delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. Magnesium deficiency can cause a heart attack.

Lentils are rich in potassium, fiber and folic acid, which are involved in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Fiber lowers cholesterol levels and prevents the formation of plaques in blood vessels that impede blood flow. Folic acid protects and strengthens artery walls, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Lentils can act as a natural remedy for controlling blood sugar. It does not contain fast carbohydrates, but contains slow ones. This slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the body. Thus, insulin has time to direct glucose into muscle and liver cells, and also process it into energy without turning it into fat.

For the brain and nerves

Lentils are a source of vitamins and minerals essential for the brain. An abundance of B vitamins, as well as magnesium, normalize brain function, increase attention, concentration and memory.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Fiber is involved in digestion. It improves metabolic processes, normalizes intestinal function and eliminates constipation. In addition, consuming fiber prevents the formation of colon cancer. You can get enough fiber from lentils.

Lentils are effective for weight loss. It provides a long-lasting feeling of fullness, protecting against overeating and excess calories. Lentils are low in calories but loaded with minerals and vitamins. It has a low glycemic index and satisfies hunger without causing harm to health.

For skin

The vitamins and minerals in lentils make them beneficial for the skin. Lentils reverse damage caused by ultraviolet rays to the skin and also relieve dry skin.

For immunity

Lentils can act as a preventative against cancer. Selenium in its composition prevents inflammation, reduces tumor growth and stimulates the production of cells that kill metastases.

Lentils' antioxidants destroy free radicals, reducing cell damage. In addition, lentils remove toxins from the body.