Health benefits of lentil soup
Lentils are particularly rich in protein, which made them an option for many people. Lentils are eaten in different ways, but the most famous of them is lentil soup. Learn about the most important health benefits of lentil soup.
Lentil soup is one of the most common types of soups in the Arab world, and its benefits stem from the benefits of its main ingredient, which is lentils. Here are the benefits of lentil soup in this article:
Lentil soup benefits
As we mentioned, the benefits of lentil soup stem from the lentils themselves, so their benefits include the following:
1. An important source of polyphenols
Polyphenols are active compounds that have antioxidant properties, and since lentils are rich in these compounds, lentil soup is also rich in them.
These compounds fight free radicals and are anti-inflammatory.
Here are some of the most important benefits of polyphenols:
Repairs damage to body cells.Benefit the beneficial bacteria in the stomach.
Helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Protects from infections.
Promotes heart health.
Regulate body weight.
2. Good source of iron
Iron is an important mineral that must be obtained constantly and in sufficient quantities, as a decrease in it would be associated with severe fatigue and loss of energy in addition to a higher risk of anemia.
On the other hand, lentils are one of the most important sources of vegetable iron, which is important and necessary, especially for vegetarians who do not eat meat and animal sources of iron.
It is worth noting that one cup of cooked lentils contains 37% of the recommended daily allowance of iron.
3. A source of dietary fiber
One of the most important health benefits of lentil soup is that it is rich in dietary fiber, which positively affects the health of the digestive system and the digestive process, and helps you feel full faster and for a longer period.
One serving of lentils provides you with about 32% of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber.
It is worth noting that dietary fiber has many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels, protecting against diabetes, constipation, and cancer, especially colon cancer.
4. Beneficial for heart health
The lentils from which lentil soup is prepared contain folic acid, magnesium, and potassium, which are important and necessary minerals for maintaining a healthy heart.
In a study published in 2019 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, it was found that those who eat plant-based foods have a lower risk of death from various heart diseases.
5. A source of vegetable protein
Lentils are one of the most important protein-rich options for vegetarians, as one cooked cup of lentil soup contains 36% of the recommended portion.
It is worth noting that protein has many health benefits, the most important of which are the following:
It is part of the body's cells.Protein is important for hair, nails, and skin.
The body uses protein to repair damaged cells and tissues.
It is important for the production of enzymes and hormones.
It enters into the formation of bones, muscles, blood, and cartilage.
6. Low calories
Lentil soup is an excellent option for those who follow a healthy diet and want to lose weight, as one cup of lentils contains approximately 230 calories.
It is also rich in dietary fiber, which increases your feeling of satiety, thus reducing the number of calories you eat later during the day.
Lentil soup side effects
After you know the health benefits of lentil soup, here are some of the side effects associated with eating lentil soup as follows:
Some people may be allergic to legumes, including lentils.A large number of fibers in it, when eaten in large quantities, may cause bloating, gas, and cramps in the stomach, so moderation should be made when eating lentils.