Green lentils

legumes

Green lentils

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 8.0

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve2 caution4 avoid
Is Green lentils Healthy?

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

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
116kcal
Protein
9g
Carbs
20g
Fat
0.4g
Fiber
7.9g
Sugar
1.8g
Sodium
2mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Green lentils contain approximately 18g net carbs per cooked cup, exceeding keto daily limits in a single serving. They are starchy legumes incompatible with ketosis.

Vegan10/10APPROVED

Green lentils are whole plant legumes with no animal products. They are nutrient-dense, provide complete protein, and are a vegan nutrition staple.

Paleo1/10AVOID

Legume explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Contains lectins, phytic acid, and antinutrients. Not available to hunter-gatherers.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

Green lentils are a Mediterranean staple legume with excellent protein, fiber, and mineral content. They are minimally processed and central to Mediterranean cuisine across multiple regions.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume (plant-derived). High in carbohydrates and plant anti-nutrients. Completely incompatible with carnivore diet.

Whole301/10AVOID

Lentils are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30.

Low-FODMAP5/10CAUTION

Green lentils contain GOS and fructans. Monash rates cooked green lentils as low-FODMAP at 50g (¼ cup), but portions above this are high-FODMAP.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Excellent DASH legume. High in fiber, plant-based protein, potassium, and magnesium. Low sodium when prepared without salt. Supports blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular health.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Excellent low-glycemic legume with high protein and fiber. One of the best legume choices for Zone. Requires portioning but more favorable macronutrient profile than most beans.

Anti-Inflammatory9/10APPROVED

Green lentils are among the most anti-inflammatory legumes. High in fiber, plant protein, polyphenols, and resistant starch. Retain shape when cooked, making them versatile. Excellent micronutrient profile with minimal inflammatory compounds.

GLP-1 Friendly9/10APPROVED

Green lentils are a nutritional powerhouse: 18g protein and 16g fiber per cooked cup, minimal fat, and excellent nutrient density. They hold their shape when cooked (easier to portion control), digest well, and are highly satiating. Among the best legumes for GLP-1 patients.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus8.0Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Green lentils

Vegan 10/10
  • Whole plant food
  • Complete protein
  • High in fiber and micronutrients
  • Unprocessed
Mediterranean 9/10
  • traditional Mediterranean staple
  • high plant protein
  • excellent fiber
  • minimal processing
Low-FODMAP 5/10
  • GOS and fructan content (dose-dependent)
  • Monash limit: 50g cooked
  • Strict portion control required
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber
  • High protein
  • Rich in potassium
  • Rich in magnesium
  • Low sodium when unsalted
  • Plant-based
Zone 5/10
  • low-glycemic carbs
  • high protein
  • excellent fiber
  • portion control needed
  • high polyphenols
  • excellent fiber
  • plant protein
  • resistant starch
  • low glycemic index
  • micronutrient-dense
  • Very high protein (18g per cup cooked)
  • Very high fiber (16g per cup)
  • Minimal fat
  • Holds shape when cooked (portion control)
  • Excellent nutrient density
Last reviewed: Our methodology