Lentils, which we never miss from our kitchens, are a very rich source of protein. In our country, it is mainly grown in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, Central Anatolia Region, Gaziantep, and Şanlıurfa. Lentils come in various types, such as red, green, and brown, with one of their most important features being their ability to increase breast milk production. Lentils belong to the legume family and off er numerous health benefi ts to the body. Here are some of the most important benefi ts of lentils that you should know:
Lentils are generally used in cooking as a legume. They are rich in starch and plant proteins. The grains are dried and used as dry legumes, while the green parts are used as animal feed. Lentils contain nitrogen and iron minerals, making them highly nutritious.
Lentils grow in sandy soils. Their grains are contained in a pod, much like beans. Each pod contains two lentils, and their color can range from dark green to dirty red.
Lentils can be used in both dry and fresh forms in cooking. Lentils have been cultivated since ancient times. The fi rst places where they were grown were the Mediterranean and Western Asian countries. In Turkey, they are grown in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, Central Anatolia Region, Gaziantep, and Şanlıurfa. Lentils help increase soil fertility when they are rotated into cultivation during certain periods, reducing fallow land.
What Are Lentils?
Lentils (Lens culinaris) are herbaceous plants belonging to the Legume (Fabaceae) family. The highly nutritious, round seeds of the plant, which has white fl owers, are what we commonly refer to as lentils. The most well-known varieties are red and green lentils.
What Are the Characteristics of Lentils?
Lentils are annual plants that are 20-70 cm in length, with soft and slender stems and round fruit. Lentils have a weak and shallow root system, so their roots don’t go deep. Their stems are delicate, branching out to the side branches. Therefore, the main stem is not prominent. Their stems are erect and hairy. The leaves are compound, and the tip of the leaf stalk is tapered. The fl owers emerge from beneath the leaves. Lentils are fl at and disk-shaped, with various names based on size, shape, and color.
What Are the Types of Lentils?
Red Lentils: They have no husk and a low starch content. They have a natural taste and require about 10 minutes of cooking for soups and around 8 minutes for salads. Green Lentils: Even when cooked for a long time, their content remains intact. They have an intense nutty fl avor. Their skins come off easily when cooking, making them suitable for dishes and purees. Cooking them for about 40 minutes for dishes and 30 minutes for salads is suffi cient. Yellow Lentils: These are huskless lentils with a starchy, slightly nutty taste. They tend to break down if overcooked, making them ideal for making purees. Brown Lentils: They have very small grains and a sweetish aroma. They don’t become overly soft when cooked. Cooking them for about 50 minutes for soups and 35 minutes for salads is recommended.
What Are the Benefi ts of Lentils?
Lentils off er numerous health benefi ts, but cancer patients should avoid consuming them. Additionally, those with digestive problems should typically consume lentils in the form of soup. Some of the well-known benefi ts of lentils include:
Drinking boiled lentil water can soothe coughs and alleviate chest pains.
Consuming 30 lentil seeds daily can strengthen the stomach and regulate stomach health.
- Lentil fl our mixed with honey and applied as an ointment can heal burns.
- Lentils strengthen the blood and are the most eff ective food for building iron.
- They help those who are ill and weak, aiding in blood formation.
- Rich in protein, they serve as an energy source for those engaged in strenuous activities.
- Lentils strengthen nerves and can repair damaged nerves.
- They soften the intestines, helping with constipation.
- They increase breast milk production and enhance its nutritional content.
- Consuming lentils during pregnancy promotes the health of both the baby and the mother.
- Lentils support heart and vascular health.
- They accelerate blood fl ow.
- They alleviate fatigue.
- They help maintain cholesterol levels.