Dr. Ann

The delectable Mediterranean Diet characterized as rich in fruits, veggies, legumes, fish, and olive oil and low in red meat, sugar, and refined carbs has been strongly tied to lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dementia, obesity, and depression.

Like their bean cousins, lentils are cheap, versatile, filling, and power-packed full of fiber, B-vitamins, protein, minerals, and antioxidant polyphenols.  They provide more folate than any other food and have an edge over the other legumes because they cook quickly, require no pre-soaking, and tend to cause less gas.