In Indian households, dal is not just a comfort food, but it is a staple part of the diet. You can eat these anytime and pair it with many things to make a nutritious meal. We know that lentils are rich in protein and fiber, but with so many varieties, do you think this is the only way this simple kitchen staple affects our body? Well, if you are fond of dal and love to consume it every day, then you are on the right page. Let us know how some common pulses affect our body and other queries related to pulses.
Also read: These delicious sides will transform your plain dal rice
Here’s how different pulses affect your body:
According to intestine and hormone expert Dr. Alka Vijayan, different types of pulses affect our body in different ways.
1. Moong Dal
Bright and vibrant, moong dal is the safest and mildest of all pulses. According to the expert, if it is soaked overnight and cooked with cumin, garlic, turmeric and ghee, it is perfect for daily consumption. Apart from this, if you are struggling with jaundice, insomnia or restlessness then moong dal can also be beneficial for your body.
2. Masoor Dal
Masoor dal has pitta-balancing properties which are good for your liver. The expert says masoor dal is also a great alternative to toor dal – which is not recommended for daily consumption as it can easily trigger vata imbalance and dryness of the gut, hair and skin. What’s more, if you are struggling with the problem of kidney stones and missing periods, then you must include lentils in your diet.
3. Horse gram
Also known as horse gram, horse gram has bile enhancing properties that are best for crushing kidney stones and dealing with insulin resistance. If you are also struggling with problems like constipation, poor quality eggs and joint pain, then try including horse gram in your daily diet. Additionally, experts suggest that if there is too much blood accumulating in your uterus, consuming horse gram for heat and pressure.
4. Urad Dal
Urad dal is different from other pulses and is completely opposite in quality. It is sticky, moist, and definitely not drying in nature. If you are struggling with bone strength in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, experts recommend you to include urad dal in your daily diet. Consuming this lentil also cures congestion of stool and also cures poor blood flow.
5. Gram
If you are thinking of losing weight then gram can be your friend. These help in drying up the fat cells due to their extremely drying nature along with stimulating properties of Vata.
Are lentils enough for your protein needs?
Many people think that consuming pulses daily is enough to meet your daily protein requirement, but it is not so. According to holistic health coach Luke Coutinho, lentils and beans are incomplete proteins that lack essential amino acids like methionine. However, to ensure a balanced diet, combine lentils with rice and wheat – which are lower in lysine and higher in methionine. When you combine these two foods, it becomes rich in amino acids essential for human health.
How to Digest Lentils Like a Pro
While various pulses have many health benefits, digesting them may seem like a task for many people – thanks to their high fiber content. Ayurvedic doctor Varalakshmi Yanamandra suggests 5 tips to make your dal eating experience hassle-free.
1. Soak it
If you want to keep your stomach happy then do not forget to soak the lentils. Soak it for at least 4-6 hours to break its hard exterior. This will make it easier to digest and reduce the chances of gas and bloating.
2. Avoid tomatoes and lemons during cooking
Yes, while tomatoes and lemon make your dal delicious, their acidity can toughen the skin of the dal during cooking, making it harder to digest. Experts suggest boiling the tomatoes first, removing the seeds and adding them only later. As far as lemon is concerned, add it to your dal only after it is completely ripe and soft.
3. Keep salt forever
Adding salt too early may cause the outer part of the dal to become hard and cook unevenly. Add salt at the end while cooking for best results.
4. Use spices and fat
Spices are not just for enhancing taste. The use of asafoetida, bay leaves and celery helps in breaking down the complex carbs in pulses, thereby reducing gas and smoothening your digestion. The fat base will not only add flavor but also help your body absorb the nutrients better.
Also read: Urad Dal for Skin: 5 Amazing Home Remedies to Fight Skin Problems
Which is your favorite dal? Let us know in the comments below.
