Beluga Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt: Which Is Better?
Beluga Lentils and tofu yogurt 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 tofu yogurt 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).
Tofu Yogurt
Tofu yogurt is a vegan, dairy-free version of traditional yogurt made by blending tofu with probiotics and other ingredients to create a creamy, fermented dairy alternative.
Tofu yogurt is a good source of plant-based protein and is low in calories and fat. It is also rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, and manganese.
Additionally, the fermentation process used to make tofu yogurt helps to increase the bioavailability of these nutrients, making them easier for the body to absorb.
In terms of health benefits, tofu yogurt may help improve digestive health due to the presence of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome.
Tofu yogurt may also help manage weight, as it is a low-calorie, low-fat alternative to dairy yogurt. Some studies have also suggested that tofu yogurt may positively affect bone health due to its high calcium content.
Overall, tofu yogurt is a nutritious and tasty alternative to traditional dairy yogurt, suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy.
Tofu Yogurt is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.
However, it also contains Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) in a small amount.
Beluga Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt 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 tofu yogurt.
This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of beluga lentils and tofu yogurt and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.
Beluga Lentils | Tofu Yogurt | |
---|---|---|
Energy | 343 kcal | 94 kcal |
Carbs | 60 g | 16 g |
Sugar | 2.86 g | 1.24 g |
Fiber | 31.4 g | 0.2 g |
Protein | 25.71 g | 3.5 g |
Fat | 0 g | 1.8 g |
Saturated Fat | 0 g | 0.259 g |
Beluga Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt 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 tofu yogurt vs beluga lentils for weight loss, tofu yogurt is slightly lower in calories, with 94 calories per 100 grams, compared to 343 calories per 100 grams of beluga lentils.
However, both beluga lentils and tofu yogurt 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 Tofu Yogurt Protein
Legumes and most legume products, including beluga lentils and tofu yogurt, are important sources of plant-based protein.
Beluga Lentils offers around 86% more protein than tofu yogurt.
Beluga Lentils has 25.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, while tofu yogurt has 3.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Beluga Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt 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 tofu yogurt.
The total amount of carbohydrates is around 73% higher in beluga lentils than in tofu yogurt. It have 60 grams per 100 grams, compared to 16 grams in tofu yogurt.
There’s less sugar in tofu yogurt than in beluga lentils, 63% precisely.
One handful of tofu yogurt (28 grams) contains 0.3 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 tofu yogurt.
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 tofu yogurt which beluga lentils offers 0.1 grams per portion.
Beluga Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt Fats
Like most other legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, beluga lentils and tofu yogurt are low in fat.
Fats in beluga lentils and tofu yogurt are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.
Total fat in beluga lentils and tofu yogurt:
- Beluga Lentils: 0 grams per 100 grams
- Tofu Yogurt: 1.8 per 100 grams
Speaking of saturated fats, beluga lentils is 100% lower in saturated fats.
Beluga Lentils and tofu yogurt contain 0 grams and 0.3 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.
Beluga Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt Vitamins Content
This section will discuss the vitamin content of beluga lentils and tofu yogurt.
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 E, and vitamin K.
However, tofu yogurt has a higher amount of vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and vitamin B9 (Folate).
Beluga Lentils and tofu yogurt contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).
The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins beluga lentils and tofu yogurt contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.
Beluga Lentils | Tofu Yogurt | |
---|---|---|
Vitamin A | 0 | 33 IU |
Vitamin C | 5.1 mg | 2.5 mg |
Vitamin D | 0 | 0 |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.176 mg | 0.06 mg |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.1 mg | 0.02 mg |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.438 mg | 0.24 mg |
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0.06 mg | 0 |
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) | 0.1 mg | 0.02 mg |
Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 176 µg | 6 µg |
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | 0 | 0 |
Vitamin E | 0 | 0.31 mg |
Vitamin K | 0 | 3.5 µg |
Beluga Lentils vs Tofu Yogurt 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 tofu yogurt comparison focuses on their mineral content.
Beluga Lentils is a better source of calcium, magnesium, selenium, and sodium than tofu yogurt.
On the other hand, tofu yogurt is a higher amount of copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Beluga Lentils and tofu yogurt contain the same amount of fluoride.
Check out the table below to learn how beluga lentils and tofu yogurt compare when it comes to mineral content.
Beluga Lentils | Tofu Yogurt | |
---|---|---|
Calcium | 57 mg | 118 mg |
Copper | 1.599 mg | 0.075 mg |
Fluoride | 0 | 0 |
Iron | 7.71 mg | 1.06 mg |
Magnesium | 39 mg | 40 mg |
Manganese | 1.493 mg | 0 |
Phosphorus | 776 mg | 38 mg |
Potassium | 81 mg | 47 mg |
Selenium | 0.8 µg | 13 µg |
Sodium | 0 | 35 mg |
Zinc | 4.03 mg | 0.31 mg |
The Final Word
Beluga Lentils and tofu yogurt are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.
Both beluga lentils and tofu yogurt 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.
Holy Peas has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals, associations and government institutions. Read more about our process.
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