These 10 Health Benefits of Lentils Will Make You Think Twice

2. Prevent Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become narrow over time due to buildup of plaque on the inner lining of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis can lead to coronary heart disease (CAD), which is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can also cause heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and kidney problems.

Atherosclerosis occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the bloodstream, leading to plaque buildup in the blood vessels’ inner walls. Lentils help to reduce the total cholesterol levels and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels because of their high levels of soluble fiber. They’re also an excellent protein-rich replacement for animal protein, which can raise cholesterol levels when eaten in excess.