Lentils

Lentils come from the legume family and consist of a few distinct types, more commonly known by their color: brown, green, yellow, red, and black. Lentils mostly consist of protein and iron, making them a wonderful choice for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. They also serve as an excellent source of fiber and are considered one of the highest sources of folate (meeting almost 90% of our daily needs in just a 1-cup serving). Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is part of a group of B vitamins that help to support our neurotransmitters, which are responsible for communicating signals between our brains and nerves in our body. Lentils contain a slow-digesting resistant starch. This means it takes longer for the body to break down the carbohydrates and sugars, making lentils an ideal food choice for diabetics. Lentils contain prebiotics, which support our gut health, and they are also gluten-free (for those who need to follow a gluten-free diet)!