Super source
Energy
319 kcal · 16% DV target
A peppery and robust pulse that maintains its firm texture through cooking, green lentils serve as a foundational plant-based protein with a complex carbohydrate profile.
Green lentils are consistently linked to improved heart health, as meta-analyses show that regular pulse consumption can lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol by approximately 6–7% .1
These pulses help regulate blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index (a measure of how quickly a food raises blood glucose) and high content of prebiotic carbohydrates that support gut health .210
Green lentils provide a high-quality plant protein profile that is notably rich in the amino acid lysine, though they are naturally lower in sulfur-containing amino acids compared to cereal grains .36
One randomized clinical trial found that eating a daily serving of green lentils for 12 weeks significantly improved fasting cholesterol and post-meal glucose responses without causing gastrointestinal distress .7
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
319 kcal · 16% DV target
23.8 g · 48% DV target
46.4 g · 17% DV target
16.2 g · 58% DV target
0.25 g · Top 13% of vegetables
0.89 g · Top 18% of vegetables
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Store in a cool, dry place
Applies to cooked lentils
Pulses have a very low carbon footprint and improve soil health by fixing nitrogen.
Green lentils are often referred to as 'Puy' lentils if grown in the volcanic soil of the Le Puy region in France, where they have been cultivated for over 2,000 years.