Red lentils

legumes

Red lentils

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.7

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve2 caution4 avoid
Is Red lentils Healthy?

It depends — Red 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

Red lentils contain approximately 20g net carbs per cooked cup, exceeding keto daily limits in a single serving. They are starchy legumes incompatible with ketosis.

Vegan10/10APPROVED

Red lentils are whole plant legumes with no animal products. They are nutrient-dense, quick-cooking, and provide excellent plant-based protein.

Paleo1/10AVOID

Legume explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Contains lectins and phytic acid. Rapid digestion does not overcome fundamental paleo incompatibility.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

Red lentils are a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern staple with excellent plant-based protein and fiber. They are minimally processed and widely used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume (plant-derived). High in carbohydrates and plant proteins. Excluded from all carnivore protocols.

Whole301/10AVOID

Lentils are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30.

Low-FODMAP5/10CAUTION

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

DASH9/10APPROVED

Core DASH legume. High in fiber, protein, potassium, and magnesium. Low sodium when prepared without added salt. Excellent for blood pressure management and cardiovascular health.

Zone6/10CAUTION

Low-glycemic legume with good protein and fiber. Slightly higher glycemic index than green lentils but still acceptable. Requires portioning for Zone balance.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Red lentils are nutrient-dense with high fiber, plant protein, and antioxidants. Quick-cooking and versatile. Slightly higher glycemic index than green lentils but still low overall. Excellent anti-inflammatory legume choice.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Red lentils provide 13g protein and 8g fiber per cooked cup with minimal fat. They cook quickly and become soft (easy to digest), making them ideal for GLP-1 patients with sensitive stomachs. Nutrient-dense and highly satiating in small portions.

Controversy Index

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

Consensus7.7Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Red lentils

Vegan 10/10
  • Whole plant food
  • Complete protein
  • High in fiber
  • 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 6/10
  • low-glycemic carbs
  • good protein
  • good fiber
  • portion control needed
  • high fiber and protein
  • antioxidants
  • quick-cooking
  • resistant starch
  • low glycemic index
  • Good protein (13g per cup cooked)
  • Moderate fiber (8g per cup)
  • Very low fat
  • Soft texture aids digestion
  • Quick cooking time
Last reviewed: Our methodology
Is Red lentils Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai