We love lentils. And you will, too—once you learn their various nutritional qualities.

Maybe you’re new to the legume-game and you’re wondering, “what are lentils?”

Here is a short-and-sweet family history of lentils:

Lentils are like beans, because they also derive from the legume family. A legume is a plant. Grown agriculturally, legumes produce a grain seed called a “pulse.” A lentil is an edible pulse.

Now that you have a brief agricultural history of lentils in your food-knowledge arsenal, let’s dive into the fun stuff: The benefits of lentils, the health claims that are associated with lentils, and how you can easily incorporate these legumes into your meals.

Lentils are Nutritional Royalty

Lentils are grown and adored all over the world, so it is nearly impossible to quantify how many different varieties there are available for consumption. In Asia, India, and the Middle East, lentils are a dietary staple. The most common varieties you may find to purchase locally are green lentils, yellow lentils, red lentils, and black lentils.

No matter which type you prefer, you can look forward to the unwavering potential for nutrition. Dietitians everywhere speak to the health benefits and easy accessibility of adding lentils to a diet.