The Indian cuisine includes a wide assortment of various kinds of pulses such as masoor dal or the red lentils, toor dal or the yellow gram, urad dal or the black gram and moong dal or the green gram. Most of the pulses are used as whole and dehusked. Split pulses are also widely used in the Indian cuisine. Both North Indian and the South Indian dishes contain a wide amount of different types of pulses. The Indian cuisine is incomplete without the use of these delicious and healthy pulses.
Benefits of Urad Dal
The black gram or the urad dal is one of the most popular and widely used Indian pulses. It is usually grown in the southern parts of Asia. It is highly cultivated in India as it has numerous health benefits. Black gram is often ground to paste to prepare different culinary dishes idlis and dosas (traditional food in South India). It has a wide number of health benefits which are mentioned below.
Rich in protein: Black gram is a rich source of protein and is widely consumed by most of the vegetarians. It is used in common south Indian dishes such as sodas, vadas and idillis. Protein is considered essential for overall development of the body and muscles. Regular consumption of black gram also promotes hair growth and overall health.
Energizer: Consumption of black gram also provides sufficient energy to the body. It replenishes the iron content in the body. It is considered to be the staple food consumed by vegetarians. Black gram is rich in iron but contains lesser amount of fat and high calories.
High fiber content: Urad dal is also rich in fiber content and thereby enhances digestion. It includes two types of fiber including soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps to prevent constipation whereas soluble fiber aids in digestion.
Cholesterol and heart health: Consumption of black grams also helps to reduce cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health. It contains high levels of magnesium and folate which aids in blood circulation. It also prevents damage to the walls of the arteries.
Delicious Moong Dal
Green gram or the moong dal is another variety of Indian pulses which is widely used in various dishes. Rich in nutritional benefits, the green gram is consumed for its various health benefits. Regular consumption of green grams help to reduce cholesterol to a large extent as it is rich in fiber. It also helps to reduce the level of blood sugar in diabetes patients. Doctors recommend a bowl of boiled green grams to patients suffering from high blood sugar to reduce the sugar level.
Green grams can also be consumed to reduce weight as it contains high amount of fiber, carbohydrates and protein. It also contains anti-cancer properties and can be consumed to reduce hypertension. It also provides resistance against infectious diseases. It is a rich source of vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin B1. Green grams are also rich in antioxidants and folic acid. Regular consumption of different types of pulses revitalizes and energizes the body.