Whether you are a gym fanatic or someone who wants to stay healthy, protein plays an important role in everyday life. It is literally the fuel that keeps us going. As far as food sources go, dal is often considered one of the best sources of protein in Indian households. From tur to moong, every region has its own favorite version, and we all have grown up eating a bowl of dal. But have you ever wondered whether your favorite dal is actually meeting your daily protein quota? Are lentils alone enough to help you build your dream body? If you have these and other questions in mind, you’ve come to the right page. Read on to find out if lentils are a good source of protein, and if not, what makes it perfect.
Also read: Indian Cooking Tips: How To Make Dal Tadka Without A Drop Of Oil (Recipe Inside)
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Why is protein important?
Protein is important for many daily activities. It helps develop and maintain your body’s tissues, especially when you are sick. According to nutrition consultant Rupali Dutta, proteins make up about 15% of our body composition and are present in every cell. Protein is also essential for growth and development, fluid balance, building immune health and giving you energy to function throughout the day. To meet your body’s protein requirements, you should eat a balanced diet and include protein sources at each meal.
Are lentils the only good source of protein?
Not necessary. Pulses alone do not fulfill the body’s protein needs. This is because it is not a complete protein source. Most of the time, we consume dal dry or in the form of soup, but dal requires an additional food source to make it more nutritious.
How to make lentils a good source of protein?
According to nutritionist Deepsikha Jain, you can make a good source of protein by mixing lentils with grains like rice. Cereals are deficient in the amino acid called lysine and pulses are deficient in the amino acid called methionine. When you mix grains with pulses, the combination compensates for the amino acids lacking in each, making it a complete protein source.
Why are lysine and methionine important?
Lysine and methionine are essential amino acids as they cannot be synthesized by humans. So, you can get these amino acids only through your diet. According to a 2007 research paper published in The Journal of Nutrition, the main role of lysine is to participate in protein synthesis. This amino acid is essential for proper growth and helps convert fatty acids into energy. On the other hand, methionine plays an important role in metabolism and detoxification.
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Also read: Benefits of Masoor Dal: This Kitchen Ingredient is a Powerhouse of Nutrients
So, now that you know why it is important to combine dal and rice, click here to know what makes it the ultimate comfort food!
