What is the difference between Beans, Lentils and Legumes?

Ravikant · Nov 17, 2008

Dear Friends,

Can someone help me with this. What is the difference between Beans, Lentils and legumes? Is legume a type of bean? or Is bean a type of legume? or is lentil a type of legume? How do we differentiate between these 3 things? What are some of the common examples of legumes? I am trying to understand these things so that I can eat healthy in a effort to hitting my 34" waist! Thank you for your help.

Admin Note: Here are some relevant links on legumes and lentils

http://www.indusladies.com/forums/recipe-central/95380-masoor-dal-clarification.html
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/k.../89786-21-healthy-foods-weight-reduction.html
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/pregnancy/6817-good-source-of-protein.html

Riya007 · Nov 18, 2008

Hi,

Legumes are a class of vegetables that include lentils, peas, and beans. Common types of lentils include all dals, mung dal, toor dal, masoor dal. Beans - Chickpeas, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, etc.

Hope this helps.

Ravikant · Nov 21, 2008

Riya, Thank you. I was confused when they refer it as in "eat a lot of legumes and beans" as if beans are different from legumes. What you say makes perfect sense. Legume is the overall category name and lentils, beans and peas are sub-categories of that. Thank you for the clarification.