French Lentil

What is French Lentil?

French lentils are a kind of green lentil that are around one-third the size of ordinary lentils. They taste spicy and have a somewhat greenish-grey color that makes them seem more like gravel than legumes. However, the texture of French lentils is what truly sets them apart.

How to use French lentil? 

French lentils are excellent in salads or as a side dish. All you need to do is toss them with oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and some crumbled cheese. For texture, add a little amount of thinly sliced raw vegetables. However, keep in mind that thicker skin requires more cooking time.

French Lentil benefits:

They are an excellent source of potassium, iron, folate, and B vitamins. They are also quite rich in fiber and protein. Due to their inexpensive price and ease of preparation, lentils are a highly accessible source of high-quality protein for a large number of people worldwide.

◉ Protect against disease: Regular consumption of lentils has been linked to improved health and a lower chance of developing chronic illnesses including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer, including breast cancer, according to studies. Lentils include plant-based chemicals called polyphenols, which may have very potent effects. Polyphenols may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties that prevent cell damage and preserve brain health. Additionally, research suggests eating lentils may help diabetics with their cholesterol levels. Additionally, lentils' low glycemic index and their gradual blood sugar-raising effect may help you prevent or treat diabetes. Overall, legumes are associated with a lower risk of cancer. Lentils' fiber content and antioxidant qualities may help protect cells from harm and stop the spread of cancer. Homan continues, "We need to know a lot more about how lentils affect people in order to draw any firm conclusions. However, we are finding out more about the health benefits of the vitamins, fiber, and polyphenols they contain. Furthermore, it is evident that a Mediterranean diet, which included legumes like lentils, might improve a person's health.

◉ Lower blood pressure: Potassium works to counteract the negative effects of salt, which may cause hypertension, or elevated blood pressure. Split red lentils, when cooked, provide almost 270 mg of potassium in half a cup. Lentils are an excellent alternative to red meat because of their high protein content, which also has the added benefit of lowering blood pressure. Be advised: To balance your diet, mix lentils with whole grains since they are lacking in some key amino acids.

◉ Improve heart health: Folate promotes the production of red blood cells and protects your heart. If you're pregnant, it's particularly crucial for the growth of your unborn child. Iron, folate, and vitamin B1 are abundant in lentils and help maintain heart health. Lentils have the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing blood pressure and bad cholesterol. According to one study, eating lentils lowers blood pressure more than eating chickpeas, peas, or beans.

◉ Boost energy: A good iron supplement might sometimes make you feel more energised, particularly if you suffer from anemia. Hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells that enables them to deliver oxygen to your body, is made of iron. Roughly half a cup of cooked lentils may provide 15% of your daily necessary iron intake. If you follow a plant-based or vegetarian diet, this news can seem like winning the lottery. "To improve the absorption of iron, combine lentils with a source of vitamin C, such as tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts," suggests Homan.

Where to buy French Lentil? 

Buy French Lentil from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

French Lentil information (at a glance):