Pigeon Peas vs Pink or Red Lentils: Which Is Better?

Pigeon Peas and pink or red lentils 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 pigeon peas and pink or red lentils and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

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).

Pink or Red Lentils

Pink or red lentils (Lens culinaris) are a type of legume native to Southwest Asia.

They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content, as well as their mild, slightly nutty flavor.

Pink and red lentils are also a good source of several important nutrients, including potassium, iron, and B vitamins.

They can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as lentil soup, curry, and all types of salads.

In addition to being a nutritious food, pink and red lentils have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.

They have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control, and may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Pink or Red Lentils are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin K.

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin E and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

Pigeon Peas vs Pink or Red Lentils Nutrition

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

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

Pigeon Peas vs Pink or Red Lentils 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 pink or red lentils for weight loss, pigeon peas is slightly lower in calories, with 343 calories per 100 grams, compared to 358 calories per 100 grams of pink or red lentils.

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

Pigeon Peas vs Pink or Red Lentils Protein

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

Pink or Red Lentils offer around 9% more protein than pigeon peas.

Pink or Red Lentils have 23.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, while pigeon peas has 21.7 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Pigeon Peas vs Pink or Red Lentils 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 pigeon peas and pink or red lentils.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 0% higher in pink or red lentils than in pigeon peas. They have 63.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 62.8 grams in pigeon peas.

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There’s less sugar in pigeon peas than in pink or red lentils, 100% precisely.

One handful of pigeon peas (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of pink or red lentils contains 2.1 grams.

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

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

With 4.2 grams of fiber per portion, pigeon peas is a better source of fiber than pink or red lentils which pigeon peas offers 3 grams per portion.

Pigeon Peas vs Pink or Red Lentils Fats

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

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

Total fat in pigeon peas and pink or red lentils:

• Pigeon Peas: 1.5 grams per 100 grams
• Pink or Red Lentils: 2.2 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, pigeon peas is 25% lower in saturated fats.

Pigeon Peas and pink or red lentils contain 0.3 grams and 0.4 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Pigeon Peas vs Pink or Red Lentils Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of pigeon peas and pink or red lentils.

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

Pigeon Peas has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

However, pink or red lentils have a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin B9 (Folate).

Pigeon Peas and pink or red lentils contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

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

Pigeon Peas vs Pink or Red Lentils 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 pigeon peas and pink or red lentils comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Pigeon Peas is a better source of copper, fluoride, iron, and zinc than pink or red lentils.

On the other hand, pink or red lentils are a higher amount of calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and sodium.

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

The Final Word

Pigeon Peas and pink or red lentils are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both pigeon peas and pink or red lentils 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.