Black lentils (beluga)

legumes

Black lentils (beluga)

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.9

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid

How the diets react

Approves5
Caution1
Disapproves5
Is Black lentils (beluga) Healthy?

It depends — Black lentils (beluga) is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

Black lentils contain approximately 20g net carbs per 100g cooked serving. A typical 1-cup serving (198g) delivers ~40g net carbs, consuming the entire daily carb allowance for most keto practitioners. Legumes are fundamentally incompatible with ketogenic macros.

VeganApproved

Whole plant legume, nutrient-dense, unprocessed, universally vegan-compliant.

PaleoAvoid

Lentils are legumes, explicitly excluded from paleo diet due to high lectin and phytic acid content that damages gut lining and inhibits nutrient absorption. No meaningful nutritional advantage over paleo-approved foods justifies inclusion.

MediterraneanApproved

Legumes are a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, emphasized for daily consumption. Black lentils are nutrient-dense, high in fiber and plant-based protein, with minimal processing.

CarnivoreAvoid

Legumes are plant-derived seeds and explicitly excluded from carnivore diet. High in carbohydrates and antinutrients (phytates, lectins). No animal-derived component.

Whole30Avoid

Lentils are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30 for the full 30 days. No exceptions apply to lentils.

Low-FODMAPAvoid

Lentils are legumes containing significant GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), a fermentable oligosaccharide. Black lentils are high-FODMAP at all standard serving sizes per Monash University testing.

DASHApproved

Excellent DASH food. High in fiber, plant-based protein, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Minimal sodium when prepared without added salt. Supports blood pressure control and cardiovascular health.

ZoneCaution

Black lentils are legumes with moderate glycemic impact (~20g carbs, 9g protein per cooked cup). While lower-glycemic than many beans, they require careful portioning to maintain 40/30/30 ratio. High fiber content helps, but carb-to-protein ratio is suboptimal for Zone without additional lean protein pairing.

Excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and polyphenols. Low glycemic index, rich in antioxidants. Legumes are a cornerstone of anti-inflammatory diets per Dr. Weil's pyramid.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Excellent protein density (18g per cooked cup), high fiber (16g per cup), low fat, nutrient-dense, easy to digest in small portions. Supports all GLP-1 dietary priorities.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.9Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Black lentils (beluga)

Vegan 9/10
  • whole food
  • legume
  • high protein
  • no additives
Mediterranean 9/10
  • Plant-based protein source
  • High fiber content
  • Minimal processing
  • Daily consumption encouraged
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber content
  • Plant-based protein
  • Rich in potassium and magnesium
  • Low sodium when unsalted
  • Supports healthy cholesterol
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate glycemic load despite fiber
  • Incomplete protein (low lysine)
  • Requires precise portioning
  • Better as carb block than protein block
  • High fiber content
  • Plant-based protein
  • Polyphenol antioxidants
  • Low glycemic index
  • high protein per calorie
  • high fiber content
  • low fat
  • nutrient-dense
  • small portion friendly