Regularly consuming lenses helps reduce total cholesterol levels and low density lipoproteins (LDL) on an empty stomach.
- A study revealed that daily consumption of lenses allows people likely to develop a metabolic disease to reduce the level of cholesterol on an empty stomach.
- The consumption of this legume also improves postprandial blood sugar.
- It has not been noted in gastrointestinal disorders.
Lentils, rich in fiber and protein, are beneficial for health and in particular metabolic health. A study carried out by scientists from the State University of Montana (United States) sought to assess the impact of the consumption of lenses on fasting and postprandial measures of metabolism and the inflammation of glucose and lipids.
Cholesterol down thanks to the frequent consumption of lenses
For their work, specialists have recruited 38 overweight and obese adults, aged 47 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 34.4 kg/m2 and a large size. For 12 weeks, the volunteers had to consume every midday a meal comprising 980 or 0 gram of cooked green lenses. During the study, once a week, the volunteers answered questions about their gastrointestinal state as well as their satiety. Blood intakes were also made, on an empty stomach and every hour for five hours after the meal.
The results, published in the journal Nutrientshave highlighted that to increase its average daily consumption of lenses leads to a higher intake of total fibers. After the 12 -week consumption period, total cholesterol levels and low density lipoproteins (LDL) has decreased. In addition, the regular consumption of lenses has contributed to better postprandial responses in terms of glucose and inflammation to a meal rich in fat. “The gastrointestinal disorders were no different depending on the groups and all the symptoms were reported as ‘non-present’ or ‘light’ during the duration of the intervention”, specify the authors of research.
Why these results?
According to specialists, this could be due to the fact that fibers binding to bile acids, they prevent their return to the liver and stimulate the production of liver bile acids. “The body reconstructs hepatic cholesterol levels thanks to the absorption of blood cholesterol, which reduces serum cholesterol levels.” In addition, there is another mechanism that has helped reduce serum cholesterol is that of saponins, bioactive compounds regulating the metabolism of lipids and preventing the absorption of cholesterol. Frequent consumption of lenses could also reduce total saturated fat intake, which are known to raise cholesterol levels.
