Red lentils (Masoor dal) Terrific Health Benefits, Safety and storage

Lentils are edible pulses or seeds that belong to the legume family.Red lentil is one of the good lentils. Red lentils, also known as Masoor dal, are an extremely popular lentil in India. They are grown all over the country and consumed for their various health benefits. 

Red lentils are inexpensive source of protein. They are a rich source of essential amino acids like isoleucine and lysine. They are also a good source of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. 

The health benefits of lentils include improved digestion, a healthy heart, diabetes control, cancer curing capacity, weight loss, prevention of anemia, and improved electrolytic activity due to potassium and also good for pregnant women. They aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis and in maintaining a healthy nervous system. 

Botanical Name: Lens culinaris or Lens esculenta 

Red lentils are edible pulses and mostly consist of two halves covered in a husk. Both the seeds are lens-shaped and which is probably why they are named Lens culinaris in Latin. They are also one of the oldest known sources of food, dating back more than 9,000 years. 

Lentils are consumed much more often in Asian countries, particularly in india. Dried lentils are a staple food around the world due in large part to its indefinite shelf-life, high nutrition value, and because it is relatively impervious to drought-like growing conditions. A majority of the world's supply of lentils are harvested from Canada, India and Australia. 

There are many varieties like, Legacy whole red lentils, Legacy football lentils and Legacy split red lentils.

Red lentils contain the third-highest levels of protein which makes them a wonderful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. Muscles need a constant supply of protein for improvement and growth of the body. Sprouted red lentils, contain all the essential amino acids that are needed by the body for good muscle-growth and muscle building and smooth functioning of the body. Proteins are the building blocks for cells of body. They help cells grow and regenerate. 

Red lentils also has nutrients like fiber, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain no fat which are a help in reducing fat level and also obesity and gives a healthy body.

MAIN THING: Consuming red lentils good for who build their body in gym and also for healthy life.

Red lentils are good source of fiber. Eating high fiber foods like lentils reduces risk of heart disease. 

Folate diminished homocysteine levels which is a serious risk factor for heart disease. Magnesium improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients the body and also help in hypertensive person for decrease the blood pressure. 

Red lentils has good amount of soluble fibers which help to reduce blood cholesterol. Lowering bad cholesterol levels reduces risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping arteries clean. So red lentils gives prevention against atherosclerosis.

MAIN THING: Lentils are a great source of Dietary fibers, folate and magnesium, which are the principal contributors to heart health.

Red lentils are rich in folate, fibers, B vitamins and protein, which help in reducing inflammation. They also contain phytonutrients called isoflavones that have powerful antioxidant properties and help in boosting immunity. 

Red lentils are also an excellent source of iron, zinc and vitamin B6, which all are associated with improving immune system.

MAIN THING: Red lentils has many antioxidants which gives protection against chronic illnesses and Vitamin C and A found in red lentils are enough to give a boost to the immune system.

Red lentils is lowering the risks of cancer. So masoor dal has anticancer properties.

Selenium is minerals which are not present in most fruits and vegetables, but it can be found in red lentils. It helps the enzymes of the liver and detoxify some cancer cells in the body. Selenium also prevents inflammation and decreases tumor growth rates and prevents from cancer. 

High-fiber in red lentils lowered risk of colorectal cancer. Vitamin C also present in red lentils which functions as a powerful antioxidant and helps protect cells against free radical damage.

MAIN THING: Regular consumption of red lentils may help in preventing different types of cancer like bowel, breast, colon and lung cancer.

Red lentils has some beneficial nutrients like protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins. 

Dietary fiber are rich in red lentils. Dietary fiber help in controlling blood sugar levels. Dietary fiber also slows down the rate of absorption of sugar from the food by the blood and maintains the sugar level constantly. Fiber in red lentils which is not digested and hence does not cause sudden spikes in blood glucose levels. 

The consumption of food which has low glycemic index it can help in diabetic person to reduces blood sugar level. Red lentils have a low glycemic index, so it is good for diabetes.

MAIN THING: The soluble fiber in red lentils helps stabilize blood sugar levels and also has low glycemic index which help to control diabetes.

Red lentils are a good source of vitamin B-complex, like folate. The consumption of folate by pregnant women helps in preventing birth defects because of lack of folic acid results neural tube defects. 

Folate also helps in the formation of red blood cells, is good for pregnant women, and plays an important role in maintaining homocysteine levels.

High amount of iron found in Lentils, which is needed by the body for optimum hemoglobin production may help to prevent anemia.

MAIN THING: Red lentils are high in vitamin B9 that carries folic acids which prevents any birth defects such as spina bifida and good for Brain Development.

Red lentils has high density of nutrients, combined with the dietary fiber, are perfect for people trying to lose weight.

Dietary fiber helps the body feel full for longer, by interacting with ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and inhibiting ghrelin release to some degree. 

Increasing consumption of plant foods like red lentils decreases the risk of obesity, overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease, increased energy, and overall lower weight.

MAIN THING: Regular intake of lentils can help to increase satiety and weight control

Kidney Stones: Red lentils are highly concentrated by oxalate compounds. These oxalate compounds were responsible for the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, individuals who have kidney stones should stay away from lentils. 

Flatulence and gas: excessive eating of red lentils produces gas and flatulence in digestive system and produces digestive disturbances. 

Select lentils that are dry, firm, clean and shriveled. The color of lentils choose will depend on usage, but in general, the color should be fairly uniform. 

Store red lentils in a sealed package or airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. 

Cooked lentils may be refrigerated up to one week in a sealed container. Cooked lentils may also be frozen up to six months.