Lentils are contraindications for consumption. So why are lentils especially beneficial for us women? Beneficial properties of lentils for the fair sex

Perhaps one of the most “exotic” products is lentils. Indeed, in everyday life, people rarely use peas and beans, to say nothing about this representative of legumes. Nevertheless, the beneficial properties of lentils deserve special attention and careful study, since they are, without exaggeration, unique. This topic is especially important for people leading a healthy lifestyle. The legume has a low calorie content and a rich chemical composition. Given this, we can talk about the unconditional positive effect of lentils on the human body. It is also considered a good adjuvant in the treatment of a number of diseases. But you should be careful, because lentils, like many other products, have contraindications. We will learn about everything connected with this culture right now.

Some general information about lentils

The representative of legumes probably seems exotic not only because it is rarely used in Russian cuisine, but also because it is now grown in India, North Africa and Southern Europe. But Russia once ranked first in the world in its production. In Ancient Rus', they were well aware of the beneficial properties of lentils, so they loved this product very much. The plant is a small bean with several seeds inside. They are eaten all over the world. Lentils come in several colors:

black;
red;
green.

Each variety has its own taste, positive qualities and cooking time.

All about black lentils

This variety cooks quickly and is very similar in appearance to beluga caviar. Black lentils were developed in Canada. The greatest benefit of the variety is achieved by germinating the seeds. Sprouts are used to prepare various salads. Black lentils are not inferior to red and green ones in their beneficial properties.

Features of red lentils

The seeds have a mild, very interesting, but not pronounced taste. The beneficial properties of red lentils are primarily due to the content of the largest amount of iron in it. Therefore, it is especially useful for anemia and many diseases of the circulatory system. Like the black variety, the red variety cooks very quickly. Ideal for various side dishes and also included in soup recipes. A distinctive feature of red lentils is that it is very quickly absorbed by the body.

Benefits of green lentils

The most popular and ancient variety. Green lentils have been known for several centuries. It contains the highest amount of fiber when compared to red or black varieties. This is a unique adjuvant in the treatment of such a serious disease as diabetes mellitus, as well as chronic intestinal pathologies, in particular constipation.

To enhance the positive properties of the variety, it is recommended to use it together with cereals, for example, buckwheat or rice. But green lentils take a very long time to cook - at least an hour and a half. But it has a bright, pleasant taste, which will be appreciated not only by adults in the household, but also by children. Salads, soups, casseroles are prepared with green lentils, and they are also added to various side dishes. It is enough to try this variety once to fall in love with it forever.

Chemical composition of lentils and nutritional value

This shows that lentils contain little fat and a lot of protein, making them an excellent meat substitute. This property may be useful for vegetarians. After all, protein is an essential substance, a builder of new cells. And, as you know, vegetarians do not eat meat.

Lentils also contain a large amount of other substances. Some of them are necessary daily for the correct and stable functioning of all organs and systems of the human body. The other is unique, that is, such substances are not found in all products, but that makes them no less important for humans. You can get acquainted with the elements in lentils and their beneficial properties from the table.

Omega 3 and 6	Prevents the development of atherosclerosis
	Vitamin B1 helps improve brain function and memory retention
	Very important for the circulatory system and also for energy metabolism
Soluble fiber	They have a beneficial effect on the functionality of the digestive system, in particular the colon, and help maintain cholesterol and blood sugar levels within normal limits.
Molybdenum	The most important element in the prevention of impotence and anemia.
A nicotinic acid	It has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and the emotional state of a person.
	It is a conductor of nutrients and oxygen to every cell of the body
Isoflavones	Important for maintaining normal skin condition and proper functioning of the cardiovascular system

Beneficial properties of lentils for the human body

From the table above, a number of the most important qualities of this representative of a legume can already be distinguished. Soluble fibers deserve special attention. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, they turn into a gel-like substance that completely cleanses the gastrointestinal tract of bile and other harmful substances.

B vitamins, namely thiamine and riboflavin, support the normal, proper functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, have a beneficial effect on blood vessels, especially those located in the brain. B vitamins are good for memory, which helps to increase performance.

Also, the beneficial properties of lentil cereals are due to the content of trace elements and minerals:

potassium;
phosphorus;
calcium;
iron;
magnesium;
zinc;
copper;
selenium;
manganese.

Magnesium is good for the cardiovascular system, iron is good for the hematopoietic organs, and zinc is indispensable for the male prostate gland. Lentils prevent the development of obesity, breast cancer, iron deficiency, reduce the risk of stroke and ischemia, and stabilize intestinal function. We can talk endlessly about the benefits of lentils; it is a truly unique product that has a beneficial effect on the entire body, every cell of it. Equally important, it is one of the few who are not able to accumulate hazardous substances in their fibers. Therefore, lentils are an environmentally friendly product.

Special benefits of lentils for women

For many girls, the question of using this unusual legume for weight loss is important. The beneficial properties of lentils in dietetics are that they contain very little fat and many useful substances. There are so many of them in the product that even a hundred gram portion per day can fill the daily requirement. Lentils help get rid of excess fat, but given their high calorie content, you should not consume them in large quantities.

Lentils contain isoflavones. These substances are unique in that they have high antioxidant activity. Thanks to this property, regular consumption of lentils in any form helps reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors in the mammary gland and benign neoplasms in the uterus. Also, legume grains are useful for women due to their ability to reduce the severity of premenstrual syndrome and menopause.

The product is especially useful for women in an interesting position. In this case, it is difficult to exaggerate the beneficial properties of lentils for the body. It contains a large amount of folic acid, a substance necessary to prevent the development of various pathologies and abnormalities of fetal development. A high protein content will also have a positive effect on the development of the baby in the womb, since this substance is the basis of cells. Potassium will regulate blood circulation and prevent sudden changes in blood pressure in a pregnant woman. And iron will prevent the development of anemia, which is quite common in pregnant girls.

Benefits of lentils for men's health

Statistics show that it is men who most often suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system. But other beneficial properties of the product will have a positive effect on the body of the stronger sex. It is worth recalling that lentils contain zinc - this is perhaps the most important element for the prostate gland. It will help reduce the risk of developing various prostate pathologies.

Contraindications: when should you not eat lentils?

Everywhere has its pros and cons. But lentils have much more beneficial properties, and there are significantly fewer contraindications. However, in order not to harm yourself or worsen your health, you should treat them with great attention:

peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
intestinal dysbiosis;
biliary dyskinesia.

As a last resort, if you have one of these conditions, and you would really like to try lentils, or if they are a favorite product in general, then it is recommended that you first consult with your doctor.

Everything is good only in moderation, and when something goes beyond the norm, the exact opposite effect is obtained. Excessive consumption of the product can cause the development of gout and gas formation in the intestines. Due to the high content of purines, lentils contribute to the accumulation of uric acid, which, in turn, causes the formation of kidney stones. So it should not be consumed in large quantities.

Useful properties of lentil sprouts

As already mentioned, germinated seeds are even more beneficial. To get sprouts, you need to take green lentils. The black variety is also suitable. Seeds are washed, poured with water and left for two or three hours. Then the liquid is drained, and the container with legumes is placed in a warm place. In less than a day, sprouts will appear. When their height reaches about 1.5-2 cm, you can pick and eat. For a more pleasant taste, sprouts are mixed with honey or dried fruits, crumbled into a salad, soup or other dish.

If we talk specifically about the beneficial properties of sprouted lentils, they are the same as those of grains. That is, when using it in this form, you should not worry that any important elements will not have a positive effect on the body. Therefore, you can choose based only on the form in which this representative of the legume tastes better.

What can be cooked from lentils?

There are enough cooking recipes to diversify the menu for the week. Lentils are used to prepare salads, porridge, add to soup and serve boiled along with a side dish. You can even make meatballs out of it. In general, if you look through cookbooks, you can find many affordable cooking options.

The porridge is cooked like this:

sort out the legumes;
soak for several hours in running cold water;
pour lentils into boiling water in a ratio of 1 to 3, respectively;
cook depending on the variety: black and red - 15-25 minutes, green - about 60-90 minutes.

It is important that during the cooking process foam will form that cannot be removed - this is a water-soluble protein. To return it back, you need to add a tablespoon of butter to the saucepan.

The finished porridge is served with a side dish or added to a salad. For example, you can enjoy the delicate taste and beneficial properties of lentils in a recipe with bell peppers, lettuce and herbs. All ingredients just need to be chopped and mixed, adding spices and salt to taste. You can take absolutely any herbs, for example, thyme, mint, rosemary, sage and others. Green onions, arugula and spinach are great. The result is a very tasty and healthy salad that will compensate for the lack of most of the substances important for the body’s functioning. This dish will also be very useful after a workout - the high protein content will help restore muscle tissue.

Lentils are a healthy legume crop that has been known since ancient times. In those distant times, only wealthy people could afford to eat dishes made from this grain, but today it is available to everyone. Let's look at how lentils are beneficial for the female and male body, how best to prepare them, and what to look for when choosing a product.

Lentils come in several varieties: yellow, brown, black, red or green. Regardless of the variety, the size of the grain is 5–8 mm, and the shape of the legumes is round or slightly elongated.

This cereal allows you to enrich the body with the following microelements:

vitamins of group A, B, C, E, K and PP;
iron;
magnesium;
potassium;
calcium;
zinc;
iodine;
selenium;
fluorine;
folic acid.

The calorie content of beans is 150 kcal per 100 g, while there is practically no fat in the cereal, and the main part consists of proteins and carbohydrates.

What are the benefits of lentils for a woman’s body?

The beneficial properties of lentils for a woman’s body are as follows:

the risk of tumors appearing in the uterus and mammary glands is reduced;
the functioning of the digestive system and the condition of the rectum improves, which helps prevent hemorrhoids;
makes you feel better with premenstrual syndrome;
The functioning of the reproductive organs in menopause is normalized.

During pregnancy, women need to consume lentils for the following reasons:

the body's resistance to diseases increases;
the likelihood of developing anemia is minimized;
blood pressure is normalized;
the process of cleansing the intestines is facilitated;
folic acid contained in cereals contributes to the normal development of the fetus.

Attention! Expectant mothers are allowed to eat no more than 50 g of lentils per day. Abuse of the product can lead to flatulence, constipation and nausea.

Beneficial properties for men

Eating lentils can also bring tangible benefits to the male body.

In addition to being rich in vitamins and macroelements, this legume has the following positive effects:

potency improves;
the quality and duration of sexual intercourse increases;
blood cholesterol levels are normalized;
the heart muscle is strengthened;
endurance and performance increases.

In addition, porridges, purees and lentil soups are quite nutritious dishes that will allow the stronger sex to be sated for a long time without overeating and the risk of losing good physical shape.

Which lentils are healthier - red or green?

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which lentils are healthier, red or green. It all depends on the purpose for which this product is used.

Red cereal is a valuable source of iron and helps normalize important processes in the nervous system, and also prevents anemia. Green beans contain more fiber than other varieties and are indicated in the treatment of intestinal diseases, diabetes and weight loss.

Regardless of the type, lentils contribute to the following positive changes in the human body:

cells are saturated with useful microelements;
the intestines are cleansed in a timely manner;
sweating decreases;
the balance of glucose and cholesterol in the blood is restored;
vascular permeability increases;
memory and ability to concentrate improves.

It should be borne in mind that you can only benefit from consuming this legume if the product is of high quality.

Good lentils have the following characteristics:

crumbly structure;
grains of the same color and size;
smooth and even surface of grains without visible damage;
absence of foreign particles, mold and signs of pests;
nice smell.

Attention! Even if the cereal visually meets the specified requirements, it is necessary to check the expiration date on the packaging.

How to use cereal for weight loss

Lentils are recommended for weight loss, as this crop promotes weight loss. This effect is explained by the fact that cereal contains a large amount of fiber, which allows you to quickly fill up, and since it takes quite a long time to digest, the feeling of hunger will not return soon.

In addition, lentils contribute to normal bowel cleansing. Its microparticles help remove fecal stones and other deposits, resulting in rapid weight loss.

They lose weight “on lentils” in two ways: they consume a small amount of boiled cereal several times a day, combining it with other low-calorie foods, or they practice mono-diets. The first method is considered more gentle due to fewer restrictions.

Advice. For those who want to lose weight quickly, it is better to eat green lentils, as they contain a lot of fiber, which helps control appetite and forget about the feeling of hunger for a long time.

Application for muscle growth in athletes

To ensure muscle growth, you need a sufficient amount of easily digestible protein. Lentils are able to provide the body with the required element in the required volume; in addition, it helps increase endurance and quickly replenishes energy reserves.

To achieve maximum effect, you need to consume lentils in combination with meat or dairy products. This will increase the nutritional value of the cereal. Beans are eaten boiled or sprouted for muscle gain.

On a note. Lentils can cause flatulence, but this can be avoided by soaking the grains in cold water for several hours before boiling, periodically changing the liquid.

For vegetarians and raw foodists

The body of a person who refuses to eat animal food often suffers from a lack of a number of essential microelements. This problem can be eliminated by regular consumption of lentils. It will not only replenish the balance of nutrients, but also prevent anemia.

Vegetarians and raw foodists are better off consuming sprouted cereals rather than boiled ones.

Sprouted lentils: useful properties

You can get even more benefits from eating lentils if you eat lentil sprouts.

In this case, the content of the following microelements increases almost 15 times:

vitamins of group B, E and PP;
ascorbic and folic acid;
magnesium and iron.

At the same time, the volume of fiber will increase by 2 - 5%, which makes the cereal even more satisfying.

For sprouting grains, it is better to choose green lentils.

You need to act like this:

Sort and rinse the grains, then fill them with water.
After a few hours, remove the liquid and place the lentils in a container, the bottom of which is covered with several layers of gauze.
Moisten the workpiece with water and put it in a warm place. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the gauze is always slightly damp.

If the lentils are of high quality and everything was done correctly, the first sprouts will appear within a day. You can pick and eat them when they grow 15 - 20 mm.

Contraindications

Like any product, healthy and rich in microelements lentils cannot be consumed by everyone.

The following conditions are considered contraindications for use:

joint diseases;
gout;
haemorrhoids;
uric acid diathesis;
dysbacteriosis against the background of increased gas formation;
biliary dyskinesia.

Legumes can cause harm to a healthy person if consumed in large quantities.

In this case, an accumulation of microelements occurs in the body, the excess content of which can lead to the following problems:

flatulence;
impaired renal and liver function;
heart failure;
the appearance of stones in the gall bladder.

It is possible to understand that the permissible norm for lentil consumption has been exceeded even before the onset of the listed complications.

The following symptoms indicate this:

bloating;
the appearance of heartburn;
nausea;
stomach upset;
heaviness in the stomach.

These symptoms appear within a few hours after eating and disappear when a person reduces the amount of lentils consumed. This condition does not require special treatment; you can only take medications to combat heartburn and indigestion.

When planning your diet, it is important to remember that there should be moderation in everything, and not get carried away with any product, even a very healthy one.

Today, lentils are an almost forgotten product that exotic lovers and seekers of new taste sensations occasionally treat themselves to. However, this was not always the case...

Just some 150 years ago, lentils were the most important product on the table of most Russian people. Moreover, at that time Russia was No. 1 in the world in growing and exporting lentils. But thanks to the total mechanization of agriculture, we tried very hard and forgot about the centuries-old traditions of our people, after which we filled our diet first with potatoes, then with wheat, and then with Coca-Cola and Big Macs...

Or did they not forget, but wisely replaced it with more healthy and satisfying products? It’s unlikely... After all, before, not only Russian people loved lentils, but also Babylonians, Egyptians and even Greeks. Moreover, it was used not by some poor people or slaves, but by all segments of the population - right up to the most noble gentlemen and kings!

In general, we think it’s time to remember how healthy lentils are, what dishes can be prepared from them, and whether they’re worth eating at all.

Chemical composition

Benefits of lentils

Lentils are a whole product that humanity has not yet thought of cloning and modifying at the genetic level. There are also no harmful semi-finished lentil products yet. On top of that, lentils are simply not capable of accumulating radionuclides and nitrates. This means, from the point of view of naturalness, lentils are ideal.

Lentils are also useful because they contain a lot of vegetable protein, which helps to gain muscle mass safely for the cardiovascular system and kidneys.

In fairness, we note that the protein in lentils contains far from all amino acids, therefore, in terms of providing the body with the entire set of amino acids, one cannot rely solely on this product. True, this does not bother vegetarians, vegans and even... And in general, not in vain, because lentils are not just a food product, but a truly healing remedy from the “bins” of nature.

Lentils can lower blood sugar levels (note for diabetics), saturate the blood with hemoglobin (due to the high iron content), and also prevent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. Even breast and colon cancer recedes, “noticing” lentils on the horizon. Of course, it is difficult or even impossible to cure oncology with lentils alone, but as an aid in treatment, this is a great option.

At the same time, those cooks who, instead of boiling or frying this “groats”, will take and germinate it will get the greatest effect from eating lentils. The main thing, after this, is to thoroughly chew everything that you have grown...

Damage to lentils

Lentils, like any legume, cause gas. Especially if you mix lentil porridge or stew with some carbohydrates (cereals, bread) or meat. If lentils are eaten without such additives, then gas formation will be moderate, if not completely noticeable.

But increased gas formation is not a harm, but an inconvenience. Lentils also have dangerous properties! These include the ability to heavily burden the stomach and kidneys, which leads us to the conclusion that lentils are harmful for people with diseased kidneys, suffering from gout and joint diseases.

In addition, lentils contain almost one and a half times more calories than rye bread. So it’s difficult to consider it an ideal product for weight loss. Although, compared to any type of meat, lentils are clearly safer for your figure.

Types of Lentils

In our area there are at least 5 types of lentils:

Green (French) - the least ripe product, ideal for salads and meat dishes
Red (Egyptian)
Black (beluga)
Yellow is a green lentil that has been stripped of its shell.
Brown (pardina)

Note that green, red, brown and yellow are four “faces” of the same lentil. Only at various stages of maturity. However, despite this, each type of lentil has its own characteristics, both in composition and culinary properties.

In addition, lentils vary in size and can be large (6-8 mm in diameter) and small (up to 5 mm in diameter).

Use in cooking

Nowadays, lentils are especially respected by German, Indian and Chinese chefs. However, in other countries, experienced chefs are happy to take on cooking lentil dishes. After all, the grains of this crop do not require pre-soaking, are very pliable and cook quickly.

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.

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 cancer preventative. 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.

Lentils for women

Lentils contain a lot of iron. During menstruation, women are highly susceptible to iron deficiency, so lentils are important and healthy.

Lentils during pregnancy

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the need for iron increases, which can be obtained from lentils.

During this period, it is necessary to replenish folic acid, which is contained in lentils. It prevents the development of neural tube defects in the fetus and almost completely eliminates the risk of premature birth.

Lentils have long been known for their taste. But few people know exactly what benefits and harms this legume brings to the human body. Before you start using lentils in your diet or using them to prepare various beauty recipes, you need to carefully study the nuances of its use.

Table: composition of lentils

Element	Content per 100 g of product
Vitamin A	5 mcg
beta carotene	0.03 mg
Vitamin B1	0.5 mg
Vitamin B2	0.21 mg
Vitamin B9	90 mcg
Vitamin B5	1.2 mg
Vitamin E	0.5 mg
Vitamin PP	5.5 mg
Calcium	83 mg
Potassium	672 mg
Magnesium	80 mg
Sodium	55 mg
Phosphorus	390 mg
Iodine	3.5 mcg
Iron	11.8 mg
Fluorine	390 mg

Product benefits

The product is a source of valuable vegetable protein, which is easily absorbed by our body.
This legume contains a lot of iron. One serving provides 90% of the daily requirement of this microelement.
Lentils are one of the leaders in vitamin B9 content, which is necessary for the production of hemoglobin.
This product contains coarse insoluble fibers that normalize intestinal function.

Table: comparison of lentils and peas by nutritional value and calorie content

Video: beneficial properties of lentils and their combination with bell peppers

There are five varieties:

red;
yellow;
green;
brown;
black.

Red or orange

Red lentils are also called orange lentils. The color of the product is due to the high iron content. In addition, this variety is rich in potassium. Including red beans in the diet helps improve brain activity and normalize the functioning of the human nervous system. The product does not have a shell, so it cooks quickly.

Green

Green (French) lentils lead among other types in their healing properties, since they contain the largest amount of fiber. In fact, it is unripe beans. This variety is indicated for intestinal problems and to reduce sugar levels. The green variety takes longer to cook than others.

Yellow

Yellow lentils are green grains freed from the shell. This product retains all the healing qualities of the previous variety, but contains slightly less fiber.

Brown

Brown lentils are the most common in cooking. These are the same beans as green beans, but already ripe. They retain the beneficial properties of the product.

Black

Black lentils were first developed in Canada. This variety is the most aromatic, and when cooked it retains its shape and color. It is superior to its counterparts in protein content, therefore it is considered more nutritious. The color of the product is given by a special pigment with antioxidant properties.

Black lentils resemble black caviar in appearance, which is why they got the name “beluga”

germinated grain

Sprouts also have amazing properties. The grain becomes alive, the content of vitamin C in the product increases. The sprout will be useful to everyone, but in small quantities.

Tip: eating 50 grams of sprouted beans per day will be useful for people suffering from low immunity.

Sprouted lentils are especially useful because they retain all their beneficial properties.

What kind is the most useful?

It is difficult to answer which lentils are the healthiest, since all varieties have a good effect on the human body. Green vegetables have more fiber, so they are suitable for diabetes and gastrointestinal diseases. The black one fights cancer more effectively, and the red one fights anemia and vascular problems. Eating sprouts improves immunity well. For a healthy person, it is enough to diversify your diet with lentils in any form up to two times a week. When used correctly (up to 100 g per day), the product will only bring benefits to the body.

All varieties have beneficial properties

Benefits for women

Prevents the development of breast cancer.
Prevents benign tumors of the uterus.
Helps make it easier to survive menopause.
For women of reproductive age, it relieves painful conditions associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Benefits during pregnancy

Promotes normal formation and growth of the fetus.
Increases the immunity of mother and child.
Prevents the development of anemia.
Ensures normal hematopoiesis.

During pregnancy, you should limit your intake to 50 grams per day because:

due to slow digestion, a feeling of nausea may occur, which is especially undesirable in case of toxicosis;
in women at risk of urolithiasis, abuse can provoke the formation of kidney stones.

When breastfeeding

helps strengthen the baby's immunity;
provides the necessary level of iron and prevents anemia in mother and baby;
promotes normal bowel function, regulates stool, and also removes waste and toxins from the woman’s body;
does not cause allergies in the child.

For feeding babies

Legumes can be introduced into the baby’s menu no earlier than 8 months. If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then not earlier than two years.
Most domestic pediatricians recommend introducing this product only from the age of 2, since the grains of these crops contain special fibers and sugars that can cause increased gas formation and irritation of a child’s fragile intestines.
It is recommended to start getting acquainted with legumes with red lentils, as they contain less coarse fiber.
Beans contain a lot of vegetable protein, which is absorbed more easily by the child's body than meat.
You should try giving the product to your child with half a teaspoon in pureed form. If the baby has problems with digestion, then postpone the start of complementary feeding with legumes to a later date.
It will be enough to use the product for complementary feeding once every 2 weeks.

The role of the product in healthy nutrition for men

According to scientists, lentils are especially beneficial for men suffering from impotence. In addition, a strong half of humanity is susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. Including beans in a man's diet will help prevent these ailments.

Lentils for weight loss

Reasons why the product is useful for weight loss:

is not high in calories;
valuable carbohydrates contained in lentils do not cause surges in blood glucose;
It takes a long time to digest, so it saturates well;
is an excellent source of protein, and the content of coarse dietary fiber contributes to good intestinal function.

For the purpose of losing weight, it is better to eat green beans, since they contain more healthy fiber, it takes longer to digest and suppresses appetite for several hours.

To lose weight, it is better to use green lentils

Can you get better from eating lentils?

With moderate consumption, it is quite difficult to gain weight from beans. The product is slowly absorbed, so it dulls the feeling of hunger for a long time. In addition, its use does not cause a sharp jump in blood sugar, so you will not want to eat after such a meal.

Can the product be used in the evening?

Lentils should be eaten in moderation in the evening as they contain carbohydrates. If you eat 50 grams of beans as a side dish for dinner, it will only benefit your body and you will not gain weight.

Lentils for athletes

Red lentil soup is a very healthy and tasty dish.

Liver diseases and cholecystitis

Lentils are digested slowly, as they contain a large amount of coarse fiber. Therefore, in case of liver diseases, biliary dyskinesia and cholecystitis, its consumption should be limited to 1 time per week. If the patient wants to pamper himself, then he needs to choose the red variety.

Red lentils are suitable for people with liver diseases

Gastritis, including with high acidity

Lentils, especially green and black ones, are recommended for gastritis with low acidity, but you should include them in the diet only after consulting a doctor. This legume irritates the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and causes increased gas formation. Therefore, in case of gastritis with high acidity, it should be excluded from the diet.

With gastritis with low acidity, you can eat lentils only in a well-cooked form - as puree soups or liquid porridges. And before cooking, it should be soaked for 8–10 hours to reduce gas formation.

Gout

Gout is a disease associated with metabolic disorders. The diet in this case is aimed at eliminating foods containing uric acid. Lentils are rich in this substance, so they should be excluded from the diet for this disease.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a disease characterized by high blood pressure. In this case, the diet should be monitored especially carefully. People suffering from hypertension simply need to include lentils in their diet at least 2-3 times a week due to their high potassium content, which is beneficial for blood vessels. In addition, a large amount of coarse fiber helps normalize cholesterol levels.

Medicine for hypertension based on motherwort

Ingredients:

20 g of dry motherwort;
30 g lentils.

Cooking method

Combine the ingredients and fill the composition with water.
Boil the broth over low heat for half an hour.
Strain the infusion.

Drink two tablespoons of the decoction three times a day before meals.

Stones in the kidneys

This is one of the few diseases in which lentils and all legumes are contraindicated, since these products can trigger the formation of new stones.

Beauty Recipes

Lentils have long been used in the manufacture of beauty products. For example, in India, legume-based shampoo with essential oils is very popular. The product makes hair soft, manageable and smooth.

At home, you can make simple and healthy masks for your face and hair from it.

Mask for split ends with sprouted lentils

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dry fenugreek;
100 g of sprouted beans;
100 ml natural yoghurt.

Cooking method

Grind fenugreek and lentils in a coffee grinder.
Add yogurt, mix everything thoroughly.
Place the resulting mixture in the refrigerator overnight.

The next morning, the mask should be applied to your hair for 3 hours. Then rinse off the product with warm water without shampoo.

Rejuvenating face mask

Ingredients:

1 cup lentil grains;
1 glass of sour cream;
100 ml freshly brewed green tea.

Cooking method

Grind the beans in a coffee grinder.
Mix with sour cream.
Apply the mixture evenly to your face and keep for 15–20 minutes.
After the specified period of time, moisten a cotton swab with fresh tea leaves and wash off the mask with it.
Remove the remnants of the mask by washing with running cool water.

Contraindications and precautions

Despite all its beneficial properties, lentils have a number of contraindications. It should be excluded from the diet:

for joint diseases;
for gout;
with uric acid diathesis;
with difficulty urinating;
for kidney diseases;
for hemorrhoids.

Particular care should be taken when using this legume for diseases of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and pancreatitis. Do not exceed the consumption limit - this is the main precaution. If you follow it, then there will be no health problems.