Beluga Lentils vs Pigeon Peas: How Are They Different?

Beluga Lentils and pigeon peas belong to the legumes and legume products food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Legumes and most legume products are an affordable source of plant protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

This article will thoroughly compare beluga lentils and pigeon peas and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Beluga Lentils

Beluga lentils (Lens culinaris) are a type of small, black lentils that are named after the caviar they resemble.

They are also known as black lentils or Caviar lentils. They are a staple food in many countries, such as India and the Middle East, and are used in various dishes such as soups, stews, salads, and curries.

Beluga lentils are a good source of plant-based protein and are also rich in fiber, iron, and folate.

They also contain a variety of other important vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. They have a firm texture and nutty flavor and are known for holding their shape well when cooked, making them a great ingredient in salads and side dishes.

Additionally, consuming lentils may have health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, as well as promoting healthy digestion, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and helping in weight management.

Beluga lentils are also easy to cook and can be a great option for vegetarian and vegan meals.

Beluga Lentils is an excellent source of Vitamin B9 (Folate).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and some Vitamin C, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Pigeon Peas

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are a legume widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

They are a staple food in many countries, including India, Africa, and South America.

Pigeon peas are known for their high protein and fiber content, as well as their rich flavor and versatility in cooking.

Pigeon peas can be used in various dishes such as dals, curries, soups, and stews. They can also be used to make flour and snacks.

They peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and are a good source of minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium.

They are also rich in antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation and protect against certain types of cancer.

Pigeon peas are also low in fat and cholesterol-free, making them a great option for a healthy diet.

Pigeon Peas is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Beluga Lentils vs Pigeon Peas Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing beluga lentils vs pigeon peas.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of beluga lentils and pigeon peas and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Beluga Lentils vs Pigeon Peas Calories

Most calories in raw legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing pigeon peas vs beluga lentils for weight loss, beluga lentils and pigeon peas contain the same amount of calories, 343 per 100 grams.

However, both beluga lentils and pigeon peas can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Beluga Lentils vs Pigeon Peas Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including beluga lentils and pigeon peas, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Beluga Lentils offers around 16% more protein than pigeon peas.

Beluga Lentils has 25.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, while pigeon peas has 21.7 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Beluga Lentils vs Pigeon Peas Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in beluga lentils and pigeon peas.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 4% higher in pigeon peas than in beluga lentils. It have 62.8 grams per 100 grams, compared to 60 grams in beluga lentils.

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There’s less sugar in pigeon peas than in beluga lentils, 100% precisely.

One handful of pigeon peas (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of beluga lentils contains 0.8 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in beluga lentils and pigeon peas.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 8.8 grams of fiber per portion, beluga lentils is a better source of fiber than pigeon peas which beluga lentils offers 4.2 grams per portion.

Beluga Lentils vs Pigeon Peas Fats

Like most other legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, beluga lentils and pigeon peas are low in fat.

Fats in beluga lentils and pigeon peas are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in beluga lentils and pigeon peas:

• Beluga Lentils: 0 grams per 100 grams
• Pigeon Peas: 1.5 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, beluga lentils is 100% lower in saturated fats.

Beluga Lentils and pigeon peas contain 0 grams and 0.3 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Beluga Lentils vs Pigeon Peas Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of beluga lentils and pigeon peas.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Beluga Lentils has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and vitamin B9 (Folate).

However, pigeon peas has a higher amount of vitamin C.

Beluga Lentils and pigeon peas contain the same amount of vitamin D, vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins beluga lentils and pigeon peas contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Beluga Lentils vs Pigeon Peas Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the beluga lentils and pigeon peas comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Beluga Lentils is a better source of calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, and sodium than pigeon peas.

On the other hand, pigeon peas is a higher amount of copper, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.

Beluga Lentils and pigeon peas contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how beluga lentils and pigeon peas compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Beluga Lentils and pigeon peas are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both beluga lentils and pigeon peas are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in beans and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes are versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.