Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, particularly recognized for their significant protein content. A key aspect of their protein quality is the presence of essential amino acids, which are building blocks that the human body cannot produce on its own and must obtain through diet.
Based on nutritional analysis, lentils contain a comprehensive profile of these vital components.
Essential Amino Acid Content in Lentils
According to nutritional data, lentil proteins contain all the essential amino acids required by the human body. This makes them a complete protein source, which is relatively uncommon among plant-based foods when consumed in isolation.
The provided reference specifies the quantity of these essential amino acids within lentil protein: 39.3 g of essential amino acids per 100 g of proteins. This figure highlights the substantial contribution of essential amino acids found in a standard portion of lentil protein.
Quantity per 100g of Protein
To provide a clear summary of the essential amino acid quantity in lentils, here is the key data point from the reference:
| Component | Quantity | Per Unit | Source Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Amino Acids | All Types | In Lentil Protein | Lentil proteins contain all the essential amino acids |
| Total Essential Amino Acids | 39.3 g | 100 g of Proteins | 39.3 g of essential amino acids per 100 g of proteins |
This table illustrates that for every 100 grams of protein obtained from lentils, you receive 39.3 grams composed entirely of essential amino acids.
The reference also notes that lentil protein is particularly rich in specific amino acids, including lysine and leucine, which are both essential amino acids. Other amino acids noted for their richness are arginine (often considered conditionally essential), aspartic acid, and glutamic acid (both non-essential).
Consuming lentils can be an effective way to contribute significantly to your daily intake of essential amino acids, supporting muscle repair, growth, and various metabolic functions.
