Red Lentils vs Green Lentils – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing red lentils to green lentils, we picked the green.

Why?

Yes, they’re both great. But there are some clear distinctions!

First, know: red lentils are, secretly, hulled brown lentils. Brown lentils are similar to green lentils, just a little less popular and with (very) slightly lower nutritional values, as a rule.

By hulling the lentils, the first thing that needs mentioning is that they lose some of their fiber, since this is what was removed. While we’re talking macros, this does mean that red lentils have proportionally more protein, because of the fiber weight lost. However, because green lentils are still a good source of protein, we think the fat that green lentils have much more fiber is a point in their favor.

In terms of micronutrients, they’re quite similar in vitamins (mostly B-vitamins, of which, mostly folate / vitamin B9), and when it comes to minerals, they’re similarly good sources of iron, but green lentils contain more magnesium and potassium.

Green lentils also contain more antixoidants.

All in all, they both continue to be very respectable parts of anyone’s diet—but in a head-to-head, green lentils do come out on top (unless you want to prioritize slightly higher protein above everything else, in which case, red).

Want to get some in? Here are the specific products we featured today:

Red Lentils | Green Lentils

Enjoy!

Want to learn more?

You might like to read:

• Why You’re Probably Not Getting Enough Fiber (And How To Fix It)
• Eat More (Of This) For Lower Blood Pressure ← incidentally, the potassium content of green lentils also helps minimize the harm done by sodium in one’s diet

Take care!