Dish guides · Indian

Is red lentil dal with spinach healthy?

Red lentil dal with spinach costs about $2.41 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, steadier blood sugar and weight loss.

By health goal

Lower LDL cholesterol
Good fit
For lower LDL cholesterol, lentils in red lentil dal with spinach help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Steadier blood sugar
Good fit
For steadier blood sugar, lentils and spinach in red lentil dal with spinach help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Lower blood pressure
Watch the sauce
Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure, and lentils and spinach help. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.
Weight loss
Good fit
For weight loss, lentils and spinach in red lentil dal with spinach help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
More protein
Neutral
It's neutral for more protein: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

For LDL cholesterol, with sources

3 of 5
LDL habits in this dish
✓
Soluble fiber (oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, fruit)
Fish, ideally oily (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
✓
Soy or beans in place of some meat
Nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocado
✓
Little fatty meat, cream, butter or cheese
Helps your LDL
lentils
Beans: soluble fiber and plant protein.
Mayo Clinic

What goes in (per portion)

lentils
¼ cup
canned tomatoes
¼ can
spinach
¼ bag
yellow onion
½
garlic
¼ head
ginger
¼ knob
rice mix
¼ cup

Questions

Is red lentil dal with spinach healthy?

Red lentil dal with spinach costs about $2.41 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, steadier blood sugar and weight loss.

Is red lentil dal with spinach good for high cholesterol?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For lower LDL cholesterol, lentils in red lentil dal with spinach help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is red lentil dal with spinach OK for blood sugar or diabetes?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For steadier blood sugar, lentils and spinach in red lentil dal with spinach help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is red lentil dal with spinach OK for high blood pressure?

Mostly, depending on the sauce. Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure, and lentils and spinach help. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.

Is red lentil dal with spinach good for weight loss?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For weight loss, lentils and spinach in red lentil dal with spinach help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is red lentil dal with spinach high in protein?

It's neutral for more protein: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

How much does red lentil dal with spinach cost to make at home?

About $2.41 a serving, or $9.64 for four servings, at typical US grocery prices, with pantry staples like soy sauce and oil counted at $0.40 a serving.

How can I make red lentil dal with spinach healthier?

It's already in good shape. Serve it with a vegetable side, like spinach or broccoli, and brown rice if you want more fiber.

Plan a week of dishes like this

Eat Healthy AF plans your week of Asian home cooking around your health goal, with one shopping list and the cost of each meal. Free for 7 days.
General nutrition information, not medical advice, based on each dish's main ingredients as we cook it; sauces and salt vary by recipe. Prices are typical US grocery prices and vary by store.
Eat Healthy AF (AF as in Asian Food) is general nutrition information, not medical advice. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything. Keep your doctor in the loop, and don't change any medication without them.