Did you know? 

Lentils are pulses or legumes, relatives of peas, chickpeas, beans and peanuts. There are hundreds of varieties of lentils, with as many as 50 or more cultivated for food around the world. They come in a range of colours, the most well-known of which are red, brown and green.

History bites

Lentils are the oldest pulse known to man and one of the earliest domesticated crops. Thought to have originated in the Near East or Mediterranean region, lentils have been a source of sustenance for our ancestors since prehistoric times. There is evidence of ancient Egyptians, Romans and Hebrews eating lentils, and they are even mentioned several times in the Bible.

Reap the benefits

Lentils are low in calories but high in both fibre and plant-based protein, and are known for keeping you full for a long time, making them useful for weight management.

They’re also good for your heart, being rich in iron, folate, magnesium and polyphenols, and are thought to lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.