Do you love legumes? Or maybe you’d like to learn to love lentils?
Data shows that not many of us are eating enough of these plant powerhouses, which is a shame because they have many health benefits! Legumes are nutrient rich, a source of fibre and most are low GI.
These important nutrients ensure lentils offer many benefits, including assisting in blood sugar control, a protective effect against some cancers – bowel, breast, lung and prostate cancers, as well as supporting our heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
If you’re getting started with legumes, the canned variety is a great way to start! Canned varieties of lentils and beans are not only cheap and convenient, but also a great source of plant protein. Try and select salt reduced varieties and rinse your legumes before eating.
The Heart Foundation recommends we eat them twice a week along with a varied diet. So how do you include more legumes in your diet?
- Halve the meat in your Bolognese and replace with canned brown lentils
- Add a can of chickpeas to your curry
- Add lentils to a pilaf or grain salad
- Make black bean burgers
- Make some falafels
- Add some chickpeas to a toasted sandwich or wrap (trust me!)
- Add some lentil based We Feed You meals to your next order. Think Pumpkin and Lentil Dahl or Goan Pork Curry with Lentils and Rice.
