Hadith 31-136

[38] Lentils are a low calorie, low fat and protein rich food as well as being inexpensive. Lentils provide more folic acid than any other food. Lentils are also an important source of iron. Eating lentils with foods rich in Vitamin C, such as tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli etc. helps the body absorb iron more efficiently. Soluble fiber found in lentils decreases blood glucose and cholesterol and decreases insulin requirements for people with diabetes.

[39] Pulses, including lentils, are increasingly being used in health-conscious diets to promote general well-being and reduce the risk of illness. They are low in fat, high in protein, and are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, complex carbohydrates, vitamins (especially B vitamins) and minerals (especially potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc). Lentils are an inexpensive, high quality source of protein. Since lentils are high in fibre, low in fat and are cholesterol free, they are an excellent heart healthy food that may be beneficial to the prevention of coronary and cardiovascular disease. Eating lentils may help lower blood cholesterol levels due to their high content of soluble fibre and vegetable protein. Lentil consumption can be beneficial in the management of type-2 diabetes because lentils have a low glycemic index of 55 or less, indicating that their effect on blood glucose is less than that of many other carbohydrate containing foods. Lentils also have other health effects, such as reducing blood lipids, that may help some serious complications of diabetes. Flour made from lentils is gluten free and is a very nutritious option for people with celiac disease. Lentils fit well in vegetarian diets as they are a good source of iron and protein, and complement the amino acid profile of cereal grains and nuts. Insoluble dietary fibre consumption can be beneficial to a healthy colon and has been associated with reducing the risk of colon cancer. In addition, diets high in fibre have demonstrated beneficial effects on weight loss because they deliver more bulk and less energy. Lentils contain non-nutritional components called phytochemicals which have demonstrated favourable effects in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic conditions including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.