Pink or Red Lentils vs Soy: How Are They Different?

Pink or Red Lentils and soy 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 pink or red lentils and soy and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

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).

Soy

Soybeans (Glycine max) are a type of legume native to East Asia.

They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content. Soy protein is one of the complete sources of a plant-based protein.

Soybeans can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, including tofu, soy milk, and soy-based meat substitutes, and can also be ground into flour and used in baked goods such as bread and cookies.

In addition to being a tasty and nutritious food, soybeans have been shown to have many potential health benefits.

They are a good source of antioxidants and have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control.

Soybeans are also a good source of several important minerals, including iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Soy are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin K.

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

Pink or Red Lentils vs Soy Nutrition

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

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

Pink or Red Lentils vs Soy 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 pink or red lentils vs soy for weight loss, pink or red lentils are slightly lower in calories, with 358 calories per 100 grams, compared to 446 calories per 100 grams of soy.

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

Pink or Red Lentils vs Soy Protein

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

Soy offer around 35% more protein than pink or red lentils.

Soy have 36.5 grams of protein per 100 grams, while pink or red lentils have 23.9 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Soy 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 pink or red lentils and soy.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 52% higher in pink or red lentils than in soy. They have 63.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 30.2 grams in soy.

One handful of pink or red lentils and soy (28 grams) contains 2.1 grams of sugar, the same amount.

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

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

With 3 grams of fiber per portion, pink or red lentils are a better source of fiber than soy which pink or red lentils offer 2.6 grams per portion.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Soy Fats

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

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

Total fat in pink or red lentils and soy:

• Pink or Red Lentils: 2.2 grams per 100 grams
• Soy: 19.9 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, pink or red lentils are 86% lower in saturated fats.

Pink or Red Lentils and soy contain 0.4 grams and 2.9 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Pink or Red Lentils vs Soy Vitamins Content

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

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

Pink or Red Lentils have a higher amount of vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin B9 (Folate).

However, soy have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Pink or Red Lentils and soy contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

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

Pink or Red Lentils vs Soy 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 pink or red lentils and soy comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Pink or Red Lentils are a better source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc than soy.

On the other hand, soy are a higher amount of sodium.

Pink or Red Lentils and soy contain the same amount of fluoride.

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

The Final Word

Pink or Red Lentils and soy are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both pink or red lentils and soy 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.