Lentils are grouped with beans and peas as part of the legume family because, like all legumes, they grow in pods. Lentils are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, which makes them a healthy substitute for meat. They’re also packed with folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium and fiber.

Lens culinaris

orientalis that gave rise to the cultivated lentil still possess a similar chromosome arrangement as in L. culinaris and are also capable of forming normal hybrids with L. nigricans.

Technically, lentils are considered a grain legume known as a pulse, which means they are harvested for their seeds.

Like other legumes, raw lentils contain a type of protein called lectin that, unlike other proteins, binds to your digestive tract, resulting in a variety of toxic reactions, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Yikes. Luckily, lectins are heat sensitive, and break down into more digestible components when they’re cooked!

Although many anti-inflammatory diets claim that whole grains and pulses — beans, peas and lentils — increase inflammation, research shows otherwise. Pulses are high in fiber and magnesium, and magnesium has been shown to help reduce inflammation.

Lentils are good for gut health, lowering blood sugar and fighting heart disease. In terms of health, because lentils are a source of prebiotic fiber, which is the type your gut bacteria prefers, they can help improve gut health, Garrison says.

Nightshade vegetables, like peppers, potatoes, and eggplant, are are controversial, because many claim they can cause inflammation, according to Cynthia Sass, a registered dietician. This can lead to some pretty serious complications down the line: heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, to name a few.

According to both Poon and Rissetto, you should feel free to eat as many tomatoes as your heart desires, because no — they’re not bad for you. “Tomatoes contain malic acid and citric acid, and consuming too much of these could make your stomach too acidic and cause heart burn or acid reflux,” Rissetto notes.

Bacon & Sausage Processed meats are the worst of both worlds. They’re typically made from red meats high in saturated fats, and they contain high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs): inflammatory compounds that are created when these processed meats are dried, smoked, and cooked at high temperatures.

Here are some fruits that are known to cut belly fat:

• Apple. Fresh and crunchy apples are packed with healthy flavonoids and fibres that may help burn belly fat.
• Tomato. The tangy goodness of tomato may do wonders to cut your belly fat.
• Guava.
• Strawberries.
• Kiwi.