Eating Lentils regularly could prevent the need for several medications

They nourish blood vessels and improve blood flow, pressure and  Circulation

According to a study, lentils can help significantly reduce “dangerous blood pressure levels.”

Additionally, new data also showed that lentils could reverse deteriorating blood vessel health.

The researchers explained that the study, which was conducted on rats, proved that consuming the health-boosting food regularly can effectively prevent the increase in blood pressure which occurs as we grow older.

Based on the findings, eating lentils can also reverse the changes that occur in blood vessels due to high blood pressure.

Dr. Peter Zahradka from the University of Manitoba, the lead investigator for the Canadian study, explained that this is good news because lentils are a “non-pharmacological way of treating diseases associated with blood vessel dysfunction.”

The findings are a continuation of two earlier studies. The first was a clinical trial that showed how eating legumes – particularly a combination of beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas – could boost blood flow to the legs of patients diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. This condition is connected to coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease.

The second study found that lentils could effectively block high blood pressure. (Related: Probiotics for your heart: Eat yogurt twice a week to reduce risk of heart attack in those with high blood pressure by up to 30%.)

Dr. Zahradka added that the most notable finding of the recent study illustrated how lentils could change the physical properties of blood vessels to make them resemble the vessels found in healthy animals. However, human studies are required to confirm these findings.

Dr. Julianne Curran, Pulse Canada’s director of nutrition, scientific, and regulatory affairs, concluded that lentils could be part of a simple, cost-effective dietary strategy that can help address cardiovascular disease. Pulse Canada is the national association that represents the growers, processors, and traders of Canada’s pulse crops.

In 2012, a study from the University of Toronto, led by Dr. David Jenkins, discovered that eating more pulses (e.g., beans, chickpeas, and lentils) helped lower the risk of heart disease by managing a patient’s blood sugar levels.

For some years now lentils are staple in my diet. Low in calories and high in nutrition, lentils are legume to eat in the summer in salads, spreads, for crudité and crackers, and as an item on a vegetarian dinner plate.

I always gravitate towards foods that are easy to cook, and lentils are a hassle-free compliment to any meal. Nutty and earthy in flavor, lentils have a high nutritional value that anyone can benefit from by incorporating this healthy legume into their diet.

Several studies have shown that eating high fiber foods like lentils reduces your risk of heart disease. Lentils are also a great source of folate and magnesium, which are big contributors to heart health. Folate lowers your homocysteine levels, a serious risk factor for heart disease.

Magnesium improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Low levels of magnesium have been directly associated with heart disease, so eating lentils will keep your heart happy!

Insoluble dietary fiber found in lentils helps prevent constipation and other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

Of all legumes and nuts, lentils contain the third-highest levels of protein. 26 percent of lentil’s calories are attributed to protein, which makes them a wonderful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.

Lentils increase steady, slow-burning energy due its fiber and complex carbohydrates. Lentils are also a good source of iron, which transports oxygen throughout your body and is key to energy production and metabolism.

Foods that can help fight high blood pressure

If you or someone you love has high blood pressure, eat more of the foods below :

• Bananas – This fruit contains potassium, and fresh produce is a better source of potassium than supplements.
• Beets – Beets are full of nitric oxide that can help open the blood vessels and lower blood pressure. You can make juice from beets, or you can cook and eat the whole root.
• Berries – Blueberries are rich in natural compounds called flavonoids. These compounds can help prevent hypertension and lower blood pressure. Other sources of flavonoids include raspberries and strawberries.
• Dark chocolate – This healthy treat is linked to a lower risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Eat at least 100 grams of dark chocolate daily to help lower your risk of CVD.
• Garlic – Garlic can help minimize hypertension by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body.
• Herbs – Herbs are a healthy substitute for salt if you love eating flavorful dishes. Sources include basil, cinnamon, rosemary, and thyme.
• Olive oil – Olive oil is a healthy fat, and it is rich in polyphenols, the inflammation-fighting compounds that can help lower blood pressure. Additionally, this healthy fat is an excellent alternative to butter, canola oil, or commercial salad dressing.
• Pomegranates – According to a study, consuming a cup of pomegranate juice once a day for at least four weeks can help lower blood pressure. However, before you buy pomegranate juice check the packaging. Added sugars can negate the health benefits of pomegranate juice.
• Leafy greens – Leafy greens are another great source of potassium which helps the kidneys eliminate more sodium through urine. This then lowers your blood pressure. Sources include arugula, beet greens, collard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnip greens.

Disclaimer: The information on this POST is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice . The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this article is for general information purposes / educational purposes only, and to ensue discussion or debate.

Thank you … Adding to the many benefits of fiber, soluble fiber traps carbohydrates, slowing down digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. This can be especially helpful for those with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.

Dals and Stews. Dals are basically thick, hearty stews, though the term also refers to the legumes used to make them. Dal uses green lentils and broccoli to make a delicious, healthy dish. Tuvar Dal or Pigeon Pea lentils are used to make this Indian Tangy Lentils with Curry Leaves and Red Chiles.

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The health benefits of lentils include improved digestion, a healthy heart, diabetes control, cancer management, weight loss, prevention of anemia, and better electrolytic activity due to potassium. It is a good source of protein and is great for pregnant women. It also aids in the prevention of atherosclerosis...