Lentils are classified as a legume in the food family group. They are a great source of proteins and complex carbohydrates and low in fat. Eating lentils has been associated with multiple health benefits including reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Research published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology evaluated the use of ground green lentil powder in yogurt to enhance probiotic bacterial growth. Probiotics have been shown to lessen inflammation in the intestines as well as improve the immune system. Improving the immune system is very important to any patient suffering from an autoimmune disease such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Lentils promote the growth of beneficial probiotics in fermented dairy products. They also enhance antioxidant properties of the yogurt when consumed together.
In the Thyrolife Protein Boost Diet, lentils are a primary source of protein at lunch and you can optimize the protein and probiotic effect by eating this excellent protein combination of lentils and low fat cheese (if you do not have food sensitivity to dairy) for optimal health and metabolism.