Water Lentils the Plant Based Source of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in a person’s life, a lack of vitamin B12 can adversely affect their physical and mental health. It is a necessary component responsible for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and neurological function. It is a necessary vitamin during pregnancy but also important in the growth of a baby’s neurological development.
Plant foods do not produce Vitamin B12 therefore it is vital that vegetarians and vegans to find alternative sources of Vitamin B12 to avoid Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Sources Vitamin B12
Most of the vitamin B12 comes from animal products, like beef, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products. Plant foods do not produce vitamin B12 therefore it is vital that vegetarians and vegans to find alternative sources of vitamin B12 to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency. Currently, there are only few vegan sources that contains Vitamin B12 such as:
- Nutritional Yeast
- Fortified Plant Milk (Almond, soy, rice milk)
- Mushrooms
- Tempeh
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Algae/Seaweed
- Water Lentils
- Fortified foods are foods with vitamins added into it to prevent nutrient deficiencies. This ensures that there is improved nutrient intake. However, many fortified foods may be highly refined and loaded with sugar. Fortified foods are also often synthesised and may cause more problems than good for your body. Alternatively, you can always take vitamin B12 supplements.
- Recently it was found that Water Lentilswas one of the only vegan products that contains natural occurring Vitamin B12. One 24g serving of Prodex Water Lentil Plant Protein contains 22% of your daily value intake of vitamin B12. Water Lentils are a flowering plant and not actually a grain. It is free from soy, sugar, gluten, lactose, artificial ingredients and non-GMO making it completely allergen free. It is also packed with antioxidants and other minerals like zinc, lutein, iron and calcium. With high protein, high quality fats and fibre, Water Lentils are a complete food sources and can be easily incorporated in any diet. Here are a few recipes for you to include Water Lentils in your diet.