Glycemic Index List - Adding Healthy Lentils to Your Diet

Ranking on the glycemic index list at 29 the health benefits of a bowl of warm lentils cannot be overrated. They are an excellent source of protein, except for the absence of isoleucine and lysine which are essential amino acids. Tasty, easy to prepare and healthy are three good reasons to partake of this legume. The addition of brown rice or other grain that is rich in protein will solve that issue quite easily.

People who are following a GI diet would do well consuming lentils on a fairly regular basis. Selecting foods strictly on a GI is not as accurate as selections based on the glycemic load (also referred to as GL). The reason for this is that some statistics can be over stated if the food contains a low amount of carbohydrates while foods with high amounts of carbohydrates can be overstated. An example of this is foods that may be high on the GI but contain a lot of air or water will not cause a major surge in blood sugar.

Meat Loaf

Lentils have other health benefits as well. They contain a high amount of soluble fiber and this will lower cholesterol levels and thus help the heart. They also are a great source of essential minerals, which includes iron and a source of B vitamins. If you do not eat meat, lentils can provide a good, healthy source of protein to enrich your body and provide some of the iron that non-meat eaters are sometimes low in.

Lentils come in a variety of colors and tastes. They can be used for soups, stews and chili. Adding them to salads will increase the protein values of the salad or combined into a veggie burger can be a delectable treat. They can also be a substitute for meat in a meatless meat loaf, on tacos or other Mexican dishes.

Readily available in the bean section of your grocery store, lentils are low in cost and high in nutrition. They make a great crock pot ingredient that will cook while you are at work or conducting your other chores. The qualities of lentils cannot be overrated. They take the place of meat for vegetarians or are a budget saver for people who do eat meat but are on a tight budget and in need of a protein and mineral source to maintain a healthy diet.

Being low on the GI makes lentils excellent for diabetics and people attempting weight loss. There is no huge surge in blood sugar with the ingestion of this carbohydrate and protein rich food. Try several different colors. You will enjoy subtle differences in flavor and texture. You may like them all or decide on a favorite. They can also be combined into a multi-grain soup or casserole.

Consider the GI and the GL. The GL will calculate a standard serving and let you see the resulting effect on your blood sugar. The GI diet has become more popular than low carbohydrate diets and is healthier for you. The next time you go shopping pick up a package of lentils and try a new recipe for a delicious meal.

Glycemic Index List - Adding Healthy Lentils to Your Diet

Ann Gobel is a health, nutrition, and weightloss enthusiast. For more information on the Glycemic Index List check out Glycemic Index Solution.

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