Lentils are a type of legume made up of carbohydrates and proteins, and also contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Lentils are considered a functional food because of their high concentration of healthy nutrients. Contains stachyose, raffinose which act as prebiotics.

The recognized iron richness of lentils justifies their indication in case of iron deficiency. To enhance their assimilation, they should be taken with food rich in vitamin C, such as a salad with red bell pepper or an orange for dessert.