Lentils do not make you fat because they are low in calories and rich in fiber, which gives a feeling of satiety and reduces the absorption of fats in the intestine. However, as it is rich in carbohydrates that are not absorbed by the body, it favors the production of gas and can give the feeling of abdominal bloating, which can be confused with weight gain.
Therefore, a tip for lentils to cause less intestinal gas is to use pink lentils or soak brown lentils before cooking them, and use new clean water when cooking, as your soup is a great dinner option to alleviate menopause symptoms, avoid weight gain and prevent problems such as osteoporosis.
How to consume
To ensure all the benefits of lentils and avoid bloating caused by gas and the feeling of weight gain, it is recommended that at least 3 tablespoons of this grain be consumed per day for about 3 months. Furthermore, it is important that lentil consumption is part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Lentil soup recipe
Lentil soup can be made with just vegetables to help you lose weight or you can add chicken and meat to make the meal with more protein. However, it is important to remember that adding meat makes the soup more caloric, and it is recommended to consume a maximum of 2 ladles to avoid gaining weight.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of lentils
- 1 potato
- 1 large carrot
- 1 seedless chili pepper, chopped
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped or crushed
- 2 tablespoons of oil or olive oil
- 1 leek stalk, cut into thin slices
- 4 chard leaves cut into strips
- 1 zucchini in cubes
- Salt, basil, parsley and chives to taste
Preparation Mode:
In a pressure cooker, heat the oil and sauté the garlic, onion and lentils for five minutes. Add the other ingredients, cover the pan and cook under pressure for ten minutes. Wait for the pressure to release naturally and serve while still hot. If you use pink lentils, you should leave the soup under pressure for just 5 minutes, as it is easier to cook than the brown version.
Benefits of lentils
Lentils are a grain rich in vitamins and minerals, guaranteeing several health benefits, the main ones being:
- Prevent osteoporosis, by maintaining calcium that strengthens bones;
- Prevent anemia, as it is rich in iron;
- Strengthen muscles and give energy, as it is rich in proteins;
- Maintain the health of the nervous system, as it contains vitamin B;
- Reduce cholesterol, as it contains fiber;
- Relieve menopause symptoms by helping to regulate hormonal changes.
In vegetarian diets, lentils are a great option to replace meat and provide low-fat proteins for the body, as are other grains such as soybeans, beans and chickpeas. Find out more about the benefits of lentils.
