THE LENTIL

ORIGIN

Lentils have been farmed for over 10,000 years making them one of the oldest food sources in the world! Wild red lentils were first harvested as early as 9,000 BC. They originated in the Middle East and Central Asia. Archaeologist found huge storage of lentils in Northern Israel dating back to 6,800 BC. Lentils grow best in sandy and clay soils that are moist or dry but not wet. Lentils can keep in their pods for two years, this made them a favourable portable food source for nomadic people and traders in ancient times. Their high nutritional value makes them a superfood.

In the Bible, Esau came to his brother Jacob starving. When Jacob offered him lentil stew he asked Esau to trade his birthright for it. Esau’s birthright was an inheritance of his father’s land. Esau was so famished that he agreed.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Their high protein content makes lentils a great superfood for repairing and restoring bodily functions. Just 1 cup of cooked lentils contains 18g of protein. This helps build muscle and give you energy. The easy digestibility ensures you have ready availability of energy.

Lentils are abundant in vitamin B3 which is necessary for metabolising carbohydrates, fats, and protein in the body. Additionally, it also helps maintain proper circulation and healthy skin.

The high fibre content of lentils makes sure the digestion tract is kept humming. The fibre keeps you feeling fuller for longer, curbing your appetite, and thus keeps your cravings at bay.

Lentils are anti-inflammatory, this helps keep your blood sugar stable. The potassium, calcium, and magnesium in lentils have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally. The abundance of vitamins in lentils helps prevent dry, dull, wrinkling or sagging skin. This keeps the cells rejuvenated and younger looking.

One cup of cooked lentils contains 37% of your recommended daily allowance of iron, iron plays a major role in helping your muscles store and use oxygen. The more oxygen you are able to use, the more energy you have.

Lentils are one of the few foods that contain lectins, a protein specifically found in plants.  Lectin has the ability to help control and reduce cancer growth inside the body.

Lentils are an excellent source of B-complex vitamins, which include folic acid. Folic acid is linked to the reduction of birth defects in expecting mothers. 

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS

The shape of the lentil represents the circle of life. Lentils teach you to be humble. You arrive into this world the same way as you exit it, with nothing. You have a body of which you borrow for some time to do your divine work here on Earth. 

Lentils bring a wholeness to the spirit. The strong nutrition packed within this tiny bean shows how simplicity in life can nourish you greater than complexity. Simplicity allows you to achieve your spiritual purpose. You have a unique personal ministry to offer, an individual mission to fulfil that only you can do.

CONNECT WITH THE LENTIL

Lentils are a symbolism of good luck. Their circular shape is that that resembles the coin. Let lentils be the first food you eat in the new year to bring you a fortune of prosperity. 

There are 5 types of lentils which can all be used in a variety of way to add to your dishes.

You can incorporate lentils into stews during the winter months. Lentil soup is a timeless classic, either blended or whole. Lentils can be used to make dips and sauces.

Lentil burgers, lentil salads and lentil loaf are some of the other ways you can incorporate this versatile little legume into your body.