Lentils are a member of the Legume family. They offer a short cooking time as a nutritious and inexpensive ingredient for soups and stews. Lentils are an excellent source of protien and are one of the best vegetable sources of iron.

Lentils are often a staple for vegetarians as they make an excellent meat substitute. Unlike red meat, lentils are not rich in fat and calories, but boast high levels of iron, protien, fiber, folate, thiamin, phosphorus, copper and potassium.

Eating a serving of lentils regularly as a part of a heart healthy diet, can help improve cardiovascular health.