Sam's Lentil Soup

My lentil soup brings traditional goodness to your table in minutes. Quick and easy to prepare, always delicious and nutritious.

My lentil soup is an excellent source of protein, fiber, selenium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, thiamine, iron, vitamin B6 and foliate.

My lentil soup is a wholesome and healthy addition to your menu that is lower in calories, fat and sodium than many packaged soups.

Lentils are an ancient food that have been a staple for diets from Nepal to Morocco.

More about Lentils

The history of lentils began in truly ancient times. According to studies done on fossils, it is clear lentil is the most ancient legume cultivated by humans. According to historical witnesses, lentils were cultivated since 7,000 b.C. in the south-western area of Asia - in the region now corresponding to northern Syria - and from these areas spread all over the Mediterranean. It is believed the consumption of this legume was common in Turkey since 5,500 b.C., moreover lentils were found in Egyptian tombs dated back to 2,500 b.C.

Lentil soup with a pungent lemon tang is a favorite of Middle Eastern households, while those of India add aromatic spices. Bring whatever seasonings please your palate to your creativity to enjoy a hearty lentil soup this winter or spring.

Lentils, botanically-known as Lens culinaris esculenta, have been a source of sustenance for our ancestors since prehistoric times. The word lentils comes from the Latin lens, and indeed, this bean cousin is shaped like the double convex optic lens which took its name from the lentil.

Health Benefits

Lentils, a small but nutritionally mighty member of the legume family, are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. Not only do lentils help lower cholesterol, they are of special benefit in managing blood-sugar disorders since their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal. But this is far from all lentils have to offer. Lentils also provide good to excellent amounts of six important minerals, two B-vitamins, and protein—all with virtually no fat. The calorie cost of all this nutrition? Just 230 calories for a whole cup of cooked lentils. This tiny nutritional giant fills you up--not out.

Love Your Heart—Eat Lentils

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirms that eating high fiber foods, such as lentils, helps prevent heart disease.
Lentils' contribution to heart health lies not just in their fiber, but in the significant amounts of folate and magnesium these little wonders supply. Folate helps lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is an intermediate product in an important metabolic process called the methylation cycle.
Lentils' magnesium puts yet another plus in the column of its beneficial cardiovascular effects. Magnesium is Nature's own calcium channel blocker. When enough magnesium is around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Want to literally keep your heart happy? Eat lentils.

Lentils Give You Energy to Burn While Stabilizing Blood Sugar

In addition to its beneficial effects on the digestive system and the heart, soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels. If you have insulin resistance, hypoglycemia or diabetes, legumes like lentils can really help you balance blood sugar levels while providing steady, slow-burning energy. Studies of high fiber diets and blood sugar levels have shown the dramatic benefits provided by these high fiber foods.

Iron for Energy

In addition to providing slow burning complex carbohydrates, lentils can increase your energy by replenishing your iron stores. Particularly for menstruating women, who are more at risk for iron deficiency, boosting iron stores with lentils is a good idea--especially because, unlike red meat, another source of iron, lentils are not rich in fat and calories. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. And remember: If you're pregnant or lactating, your needs for iron increase. Growing children and adolescents also have increased needs for iron.

Source: www.whfoods.org