How Eating Lentils Every Day Affects Your Health

The lentil is an essential nutrient powerhouse, as one half cup of the cooked legume contains 12 grams of protein and nine grams of fiber (via WebMD). They are also rich in antioxidants and minerals including folate, iron, and manganese. Lentils contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium as well, which according to the National Institutes of Health, promotes a natural decrease in blood pressure.

According to Medical News Today, adding more fiber to your diet can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and when swapping meats for fiber rich foods, you might decrease the risk of heart disease. 

The benefits of eating this little legume don't stop with your heart. According to Shape, the folate in lentils can help improve brain function, and Eat This Not That! reports that eating lentils regularly may reduce the risk of diabetes and improve gut microbiome. 

Finally, you may get some gas with an increase in fiber, but it may be well worth it. According to certified nutritionist Serena Poony, adding more lentils, and in turn, more fiber into your diet, "can help you maintain bowel health, lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, lose weight, and prevent disease."