Lentils are a good choice for people with diabetes , since they’re high in fiber and a good source of protein. This lentil soup also contains a nutrient superfood: kale. This dark leafy green is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
So lentils can help to stabilize your blood sugar because they are full of complex carbohydrates. They can also aid in controlling your cholesterol levels and your appetite as well. But lentils can actually help you in lowering your risk of developing type 2 diabetes .
Can people with Type 2 diabetes eat lentils?
However, none of these recent studies showed that consuming lentils lead to a large improvement in blood sugar levels or A1c. We also know that carbohydrates have the greatest impact on blood sugar and A1c, and lentils are typically quite high in carbs. So, can people with type 2 diabetes enjoy lentils in their diet ?
That means it’s a great time to talk about how a diet rich in legumes – including lentils – can help regulate blood sugar and improve glycemic control , both important factors in managing type 2 diabetes.
Well, there have been mixed results about the benefits of eating legumes for people with type 2 diabetes. A 2015 study examined the effect of a legume-based intervention diet versus a legume-free control diet, for a group of 31 overweight people with type 2 diabetes.
Are lentils good for You?
– Lentils are a kind of legume widely used in different parts of the world. They are low in fat, rich in protein, and a huge source of fiber, which can short down the risk of heart disease. According to Mayo. Clinic, lentils are also the rich source of iron, potassium, folate, and phosphorous.
Green lentils are rich in antioxidants, iron, and magnesium . They work particularly well over salads and as a warm side, because of their peppery taste . They do take the longest to cook of all the varieties, about 45 minutes, but hold their shape well.
One half cup of uncooked red lentils provides 22g protein, 10g fiber, 40mg calcium, 6mg iron, and 600mg potassium, according to the USDA. Brown lentils are a variety that hold their shape nicely, and can be used similarly to green lentils.
Do lentils help lower blood sugar?
Lentils have some clinically significant benefits due to their fiber content and potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, none of these recent studies showed that consuming lentils lead to a large improvement in blood sugar levels or A1c .
One way to consider this is To prevent a potential blood sugar spike , eat a small serving of lentils alongside foods that are rich in protein and fat like meat, eggs, or full-fat dairy. This will help mitigate the effect of the carbs, as protein and fat slow down the absorption of glucose.
You might be asking “Do lentils have a low glycemic index?”
It is good to know that, according to official tables, lentils have a low glycemic index and a low glycemic load. That is, their carbohydrates are assimilated very slowly and do not produce the same postprandial glucose peaks (post-meals) than cereals and tubers do.
What lentils are the healthiest?
Green lentils are probably the best here, though brown are good too. Brown and green hold their shape best, whether in casseroles, stews or bakes. Red split lentils are an appealing orange colour when cooked. Red split lentils have the sweetest taste of all our lentils.
One more query we ran across in our research was “What are the different types of lentils?”.
Lentils are often categorized by their color, which can range from yellow and red to green, brown or black ( 1 ). Here are some of the most common lentil types: Brown : These are the most widely eaten type. They have an earthy flavor, hold their shape well during cooking and are great in stews. Puy: These come from the French region Le Puy.
Which color lentils are the healthiest?
1 Green lentils are probably the best here, though brown are good too. 2 Brown and green hold their shape best, whether in casseroles, stews or bakes. 3 Red split lentils are an appealing orange colour when cooked. 4 Red split lentils have the sweetest taste of all our lentils.