Are lentils good for you?

Lentils are a nutritious food. Lentils are high in dietary fiber, protein and iron. One cup of cooked lentils contains 16 grams of fiber, 18 grams of protein and 36 percent of the daily iron requirement; they are also a great source of calcium, zinc, potassium, vitamin K and niacin.

The high amount fiber in lentils helps lower cholesterol, reduce risk of heart disease and stabilize blood sugar. It also helps improve digestive health. Lentils also contain high levels of lean protein and iron and, unlike many other protein sources, are very low in saturated fats and cholesterol. One cup of cooked lentils contains 230 calories.