Unlock Lentil Digestion: Top 5 Tips for a Gas-Free Gut!

Bloating and gas after eating lentils are common issues, often stemming from improper preparation. Food scientist Wendy Luong highlights traditional methods like soaking, which helps break down indigestible sugars and reduces antinutrients that impede digestion. Rinsing lentils before and after soaking, and crucially, discarding the soak water, are vital steps to eliminate these compounds.

Luong's advice includes soaking raw dried lentils for 8-12 hours, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked, and even suggests adding seaweed during cooking to further aid digestion. Canned lentils, while pre-cooked, also benefit from a good rinse to remove sodium and residual sugars.

Experts agree that these digestive challenges arise from pulses containing large amounts of indigestible carbohydrates. Addressing gut irritation through proper preparation and mindful eating habits, like taking a walk after meals, can prevent more serious issues such as leaky gut and acid reflux.