One animal study found that consuming lentils helped lower blood sugar levels and that the benefits were not solely due to the carb, protein, or fat content ( 11). Though it’s not yet understood how, the polyphenols in lentils may also play a part in improving blood sugar levels ( 1, 9, 10). When tested in the lab, the polyphenols in lentils were able to stop cancer cell growth, especially on cancerous skin cells ( 6). Some of the polyphenols in lentils, such as procyanidin and flavanols, are known to have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects ( 6, 7, 8). ![]() Lentils are rich in polyphenols, a category of health-promoting phytochemicals ( 1). Polyphenols in lentils may have powerful health benefits They’re also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Lentils are an excellent source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Eating lentils can increase your stool weight and improve your overall gut function ( 5).įurthermore, lentils contain a broad range of beneficial plant compounds called phytochemicals, many of which protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes ( 1). Lentils are high in fiber, which supports regular bowel movements and the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Though different types of lentils may vary slightly in their nutrient content, 1 cup (198 grams) of cooked lentils generally provides the following ( 4): They’re also a great source of iron, a mineral that is sometimes lacking in vegetarian diets ( 1, 3). Lentils are made up of more than 25% protein, which makes them an excellent meat alternative. Want more tips about how to live well based on science? Catch up with Lily's Life Hacks on ABC iview.Lentils are often overlooked, even though they’re an inexpensive way of getting a wide variety of nutrients.įor example, they’re packed with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. ![]() "It might be that people who drink coffee are more likely to walk down to the local coffee shop." The question is whether the beneficial effect is due the coffee or something else entirely, Dr Musgrave points out. "Caffeine increases metabolism but none of the weight loss products with coffee extract actually work," Dr Musgrave says.Īnd associations between coffee drinking and lower rates of diseases like Parkinsons and Alzheimers' disease are equally fraught. In general the evidence linking coffee with appetite control is equivocal. ![]() The same goes for any link between coffee and weight loss. "For some people it will make no difference at all and for others it may be helpful."Īnd apart from fitting in with body clocks, the best time for coffee may well be determined by the benefit you feel you get by drinking it.īeyond staying awake, we might prefer to drink coffee to focus on work, as a social ritual with others, or as a pick-me-up after lunch.īut there's also some suggestion the combination may have health benefits.įor example, research has found drinking French press or Turkish coffee with dark chocolate leads to greater absorption of antioxidants in both, than when both are consumed separately.īut as to whether this really translates to better health will depend on someone's whole dietary pattern, Dr Mantzioris says. "The theory is cortisol carries you through that initial couple of hours after you wake up," Dr Mantzioris says.Īnd so the perfect time to have a coffee is mid-morning, once your cortisol levels have dropped off.Ĭaffeine also interacts with a chemical called adenosine, which is involved in energy production.Īdenosine can trigger a process that makes us drowsy when it binds to cells in our bodies – and this may be more likely to happen later in the morning.Ĭaffeine can stop this binding process, so it may be best to delay your coffee until you start to get that sleepy feeling.īut Dr McGuire says there are many factors that can determine whether drinking at a particular time of day makes a difference.
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