Health benefits and consumption suggestions of white lentils

White lentils are a kind of food that has the same origin as medicine and food. It has the functions of strengthening the spleen and removing dampness, relieving heat and detoxification, and assisting in lowering blood sugar. It is especially suitable for summer health maintenance and people with weak spleen and stomach. Its main functions can be divided into three categories: first, it strengthens the spleen and stomach and improves indigestion; second, it dilutes water and removes dampness, relieving edema and summer-dampness symptoms; third, it regulates blood sugar, which is beneficial to diabetic patients. It can be eaten in various ways, including porridge, soup or powder. However, it should be noted that raw lentils contain toxins and must be cooked before consumption.

"Natural tonic" that strengthens the spleen and stomach

White lentils are recorded in the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" as "an important medicine for strengthening the spleen and reducing dampness". Its rich dietary fiber (containing 11.6 grams per 100 grams) can promote intestinal peristalsis and improve loss of appetite. Professor Zhang from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine pointed out that the amylase inhibitors in white lentils can reduce gastric acid secretion and are suitable for patients with chronic gastritis. Common products on the market such asTong Ren Tang White Lentil Flour,Yunnan Baiyao health lentil cake, all with the selling point of regulating the spleen and stomach. Note: For those with indigestion, it is recommended to cook it with yam to enhance the spleen-tonifying effect.

Excellent dietary therapy for removing dampness in summer

The diuretic effect of white lentils comes from its potassium content (439 mg per 100 grams) and saponin content, which can help remove excess water from the body. Research from Guangzhou Medical University shows that its decoction is 78% effective in treating damp-heat eczema. RecommendedBarley and white lentil porridge(Recipe: 30g white lentils + 20g barley), or chooseLei Yunshang dehumidification tea(Contains white lentil extract). Note: People with yin deficiency (those with dry mouth and tongue) should not consume it for a long time. It is better to consume it 2-3 times a week.

Auxiliary options for blood sugar regulation

A study by Japan's Showa University found that white lentil polysaccharides can reduce the rate of rise in blood sugar after a meal by 34%. Domestic products such asCorrection White Lentil CapsulesIt focuses on blood sugar management function, but it needs to be emphasized that it cannot replace hypoglycemic drugs and is recommended to be used under the guidance of a doctor. It is recommended that the daily consumption of diabetic patients should be controlled within 50 grams.

Scientific food guide and precautions

Taken together, white lentils are an ingredient with both nutritional and medicinal value. The best eating season is from May to September. To be safe, be sure to boil for more than 20 minutes to destroy the lectin toxins. Note for special groups: Pregnant women should cook it and eat it in small amounts. Gout patients should avoid eating it with high-purine foods. Recommended combination:White lentils + red dates(blood replenishment),White lentils + tangerine peel(Regulating Qi). The mainstream brands in the market are shown in the table below:

Quote sources:1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 edition (record of the effect of strengthening the spleen and reducing dampness) 2. Interview with Professor Zhang from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine "Guidelines for the Application of Medicinal and Food Sources" 3. Guangzhou Medical University "Research on Diet Therapy for Damp-Heat Constitution" (2018) 4. Japan's Showa University "Research on the Hypoglycemic Mechanism of Bean Polysaccharides" (2021) 5. National Health Commission's "Catalogue of Medicinal and Food Dual-Use Ingredients"