Organic Brown Lentils

Brown lentils, mild and earthy in flavour, are loaded with plant-based protein and nutrients. These versatile nutritious pulses are commonly used in Asian and North African cuisines. They’re a great ingredient to add to many dishes such as soups or Indian dahl.

Their rich iron content – which can sometimes lack in a vegetarian diet – makes brown lentils a perfect alternative to meat.

These nourishing pulses are edible seeds and belong to the legume family. Brown lentils are low in calories and are one of the most common types of lentils consumed throughout the world. They hold their shape well whilst cooking and, according to evidence, offer many health benefits such as reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Our 100% organic brown lentils are a great and inexpensive way to add protein and nutrients to a variety of recipes.

Nutritional Profile

Lentils are a great source of fiber and are made up of over 25% protein. They’re also rich in iron and folate, and contain plenty of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

One cup of lentils (198g) contains approximately 230 calories.

Potential Health Benefits

Contained in lentils are beneficial plant compounds called phytochemicals. Lentils are rich in a group of health-promoting phytochemicals called polyphenols.

It’s these polyphenols that contribute to many of the impressive health benefits that lentils provide such as reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases, including cancer and type 2 diabetes.

According to research, these polyphenols in brown lentils don’t lose their health-promoting properties after they’ve been cooked.

Brown lentils may protect against chronic diseases

Polyphenols in lentils such as procyanidin and flavanols have been found to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

Interestingly, one study showed that the polyphenols in lentils prevented the growth of cancer cells, especially on cancerous skin cells.

Other research studied 48 people who were overweight or obese that had type 2 diabetes. The findings revealed that consuming a third of a cup of lentils daily raised the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and decreased the levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

May lower heart disease risk factors

Consuming lentils may protect against heart disease due to their beneficial effects on a number of risk factors.

Firstly, research has found that lentils can lower your blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Secondly, high levels of homocysteine in the body can lead to heart disease. When you’re not consuming a sufficient amount of folate, homocysteine levels increase.

As lentils are a fantastic source of folate, the evidence reveals that these pulses may help to prevent an excessive amount of homocysteine from building up in the body.

Lastly, obesity – or even being overweight – can increase the risk of heart disease. As lentils are both very filling, and also believed to keep blood sugar levels under control, they can help to reduce your food intake.

Can improve your overall gut function

Lentils are a good source of fiber and can have a beneficial impact on your gut function, supporting regular bowel movements and the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to cook:

1.Rinse well.

2.For 1 cup of lentils use 3 cups of liquid such as stock or water.

3.Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat until tender (for about 15 to 20 minutes.)

Brown Lentils FAQ

Q: What are brown lentils?

A: Brown lentils are edible seeds that belong to the legume family.

Q: Are they rich in protein?

A: Yes, they contain approximately 17.9g of protein per 198g serving (1 cup).

Q: Are they a good source of fiber?

A: They’re rich in fiber, containing approximately 15.6g per 198g serving (1 cup).

Q: What nutrients do brown lentils contain?

A: They’re a good source of folate, and contain plenty of other vitamins including vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B6, B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and choline.

Brown lentils are also rich in iron making them a great substitute for meat. Other minerals they contain include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.