If improved health you are seeking, look no further than lentils. Lentils have been a staple of the human for thousands of years throughout the world. Lentils are the staple of the vast populations of the world. They provide strong nutrition and source for protein. Lentils are easy to cook, and lentils are a hassle-free compliment to any meal or even can be a meal on their own. They readily absorb a variety of tasty flavors from other foods & seasonings. Most people are not familiar with lentils and if they are, only think of a soup type of meal. Lentils are truly a Garden of Eden of healthy eating. Lentils, a type of legume, are a staple in many parts of the world. They are packed with fiber, folate (water-soluble B vitamin), iron, protein, vitamins and minerals. Folates are particularly important to women. Folates are essential for healthy fetal development. Folate can prevent neural tube defects as well as spina bifida when taken before conception or early on in the pregnancy. More so compared to most other dried beans, lentils are quick and easy to prepare. Simply an overall winner! Their nutty and earthy taste add flavor from salads to full meals. The Health Benefits of Eating Lentils are diverse: 1. Lentils Help to Lower Cholesterol – Lentils help to reduce blood cholesterol because they contain high levels of soluble fiber (Actually both soluble and insoluble). By reducing blood cholesterol the arteries flow easier thus lowering and reducing heart diseases and even strokes. 2. Heart & Breast Cancer – There has been much research over the years confirming that eating high fibers reduce heart diseases. Lentils are also a great source of folate and magnesium. Both folate and magnesium have been researched and have shown proven benefits to the health of your heart. Magnesium also assists the nervous system. It acts as a blocker of calcium. Magnesium relaxes veins and arteries which improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Lentils contain more folate than any other plant food. This means it offers protection against coronary artery disease by lowering homocysteine levels as well. Additionally there is a decreased risk of breast cancer due to the large amounts of vitamin B6 and folate. 3. Digestive Health – They are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. In 1 cup of red lentils there is 15.6 g of fiber. Just one cup of red lentils provides 62 percent of the 25 g daily recommended amount of recommended fiber intake. More so lentils help keep us regular in the mornings. Lentils prevent constipation and various other digestive disorders. 4. Stabilized Blood Sugar – Besides helping in lowering cholesterol, they are of special benefit in managing blood-sugar disorders since their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising especially after eating. This can be especially helpful for those with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. 5. Good Protein – Lentils have the 3rd highest protein by weight of any plant. However, all protein is not all the same and Lentils are lacking a couple essential amino acids. However, you can get these two missing amino acids, though, by eating lentils with grains/rice, thereby creating a “complete protein” almost similar to Salmon or even meat. 6. Increases Energy – Because lentils have all of their complex cholesterol lowering they provide an added boast of energy. Lentils are also a good source of iron. Iron stores and maintains energy levels constant throughout the day. This high iron level helps the body to transport oxygen from the lungs to the cells producing available energy to the body. 7. Weight Loss – Lentils are low in calories and contain virtually no fat. A single cup of lentils contains about 230 calories, with only 1 g coming from dietary fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full and satisfied.