Pulses
Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume
family. Pulses grow in pods and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors
Pulses are annual crops that yield between one and
12 grains or seeds. The term “pulses” is limited to crops harvested solely as
dry grains, which differentiates them from other vegetable crops that are
harvested while still green.
Between 2010 and 2013, 173 different countries grew
and exported pulses.
Pulses are healthy, nutritious and easy to cook
with. Growing pulses also promotes sustainable agriculture, as pulse crops help
decrease greenhouse gases, increase soil health,
and use less water than other crops.
Protein-rich pulses are considered a staple food
for a large portion of the Indian population, which satisfies everyone's
protein and energy demands. Pulses are good sources of dietary fibre and are
low in fat, which helps in the maintenance of body weight and reduces the risk
of cardiovascular diseases.
India is known all over the world for its unique
culture and cuisine. People are in awe of the food we serve because it’s
different, diverse and delicious. The main essence of Indian cuisine is the way
we integrate dals and pulses with our spices. Desserts, stews, curries, soups,
snacks and many other varieties of things can be made with different kind of
pulses and dals. They are a great source of nutrients like protein, fiber,
calcium etc. Their addition in daily diet helps to lead a fit and healthy
lifestyle.
Let’s talk more about dals and pulses and get to
know how they help us in various ways.
Dals include Moth Dal, Moong Dal, split chickpeas,
split green lentil, split black gram etc. These dals are the most common and
versatile food that one can find in an Indian kitchen. They are used on a
regular basis to make curry that is an Indian staple. Different regions in
India have their own take in forming delicious recipes for making curry. Other
than that, they form a main ingredient in several authentic recipes. These dals
are flavourful, nutritious and super healthy.
Pulses include chickpeas, black-eyed beans, kidney beans,
Mung bean, Moth bean, lentils etc. They are a native food in India and popular
for their status for constructing pure and healthy meal. They are gluten free
and a great source of nutrients in a vegetarian diet. They are eaten as an
accompaniment with cereals such as wheat (in form of roti or paratha) or rice.
They help to generate a good amount of energy in the body.
Let’s shed light on the health benefits Dals and
Pulses provide us.
Good for heart: Dals and pulses are among the
healthiest foods you can eat. They are very nutritious food, unlike the junk
food with empty calories. They are known to reduce the level of bad cholesterol
in the body and thus help to improve the heart health. They prevent cholesterol
based heart diseases and reduce the risk of heart attack. Also, high amount of
potassium and low amount of sodium in some of the pulses and dals aid in
regulating blood pressure.
Great sources of nourishment: One can get abundance
of vitamins and minerals if those of pulses and dals are counted together. The
varied yet important set of nutrients that these sub-groups carry fulfills a
major part of your balanced diet. Pulses are a great source of fiber, calcium,
potassium and folate. On the other hand, dals are rich in protein, iron,
vitamin B, magnesium and zinc. All the mentioned nutrients are required daily
by the body for its proper functioning and maintenance of health.
Important role in growing stage: Regular
consumption of dals and pulses is a great way to attain nutrients like protein
and calcium. They can substitute seafood and animal products in terms of
nutrients if you are a vegetarian. A nutritious diet is very important
especially when you are in your growing stages. Children and adolescents need a
balanced diet so that they get required energy and their body and mind can
develop properly. Many children, who are underweight, weak or fall sick easily,
need to inculcate healthy foods like dals and pulses in their daily diet.
Summing it up
We have concluded that dals and pulses are an
important part of our diet because they are healthy, versatile and nutritious.
However, more demand and less supply have led to practice of adulteration in
these groceries. Also, the use of chemical fertilizers makes these crops less
nutritious. Opt for organic dals and pulses and avail all the health benefits
said in theory
