The Healthiest Lentil

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM · September 3, 2010 · Volume 4

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Red, green, or French green?

Discuss

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

In 2008, black beans beat out lentils by a hair, and remain the reigning champ for most laudable legume in terms of antioxidants.

But, with regards to protein, iron, zinc, and folate, lentils actually triumph over black beans. The problem is, you go to the store, and there are three different kinds!

Red lentils, green lentils, and French green lentils. Which is healthiest? We didn’t know, until this year.

Well, it’s not green lentils. Spilling the beans, red lentils are healthiest.

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B. Xu and S. K. C. Chang. Phenolic substance characterization and chemical and cell-based antioxidant activities of 11 lentils grown in the northern United States. J. Agric. Food. Chem.,58(3):1509-1517, 2010.

Image credit: Justinc / Wikimedia

Doctor's Note

Check out my other videos on legumes:
Beans, Beans, They’re Good For Your Heart
Diabetics Should Take Their Pulses
Increased Lifespan From Beans
Phytates for the Prevention of Osteoporosis
Prostate vs. Plants

And check out my other videos on lentils.

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