In Indian households, dals are more than just a comfort food, they are a dietary staple. You can have them at any time and pair them with a number of things to make it a wholesome meal. We know that dal is packed with protein and fibre, but with so many varieties out there, do you think this is the only way this humble kitchen staple affects our body? Well, if you are a fan of dal and love to consume it every day, then you are on the right page. Let’s find out how some common dals affect our bodies and other dal-related questions.
Also Read: These Delicious Sides Are Going To Transform Your Plain Dal Chawal
Here’s How Different Dals Affect Your Body:
As per gut and hormone expert Dr Alka Vijayan, different varieties of dal affect our bodies differently.
1. Moong Dal
Bright and vibrant moong dal is the safest and the lightest of all lentils. As per the expert, it is perfect for daily consumption when soaked overnight and cooked with cumin, garlic, turmeric, and ghee. Moreover, moong dal can also be beneficial for your body if you are struggling with jaundice, insomnia, or restlessness.
2. Masoor Dal
Masoor dal has Pitta-balancing properties that are good for your liver. The expert states that masoor dal is also is also a great replacement for Toor dal – which isn’t recommended for daily consumption as it can easily trigger Vata imbalance, and dryness of the gut, hair and skin. What’s more, if you have been struggling with kidney stones and missing periods, then you should definitely include masoor dal in your diet.
3. Horse Gram Dal
Also known as Kulthi dal, Horse Gram has Pitta-increasing properties that are best for crushing kidney stones and tackling insulin resistance. If you are also struggling with problems like constipation, poor-quality eggs, and joint pain, then try to incorporate horse gram dal into your daily diet. Moreover, the expert suggests that if there’s a lot of blood pooling in your uterus, eat horse gram dal for heat and push.
4. Urad Dal
Urad dal, unlike the rest of the dals, is extremely opposite in property. It is slimy, moist, and definitely not drying in nature. If you struggle with bone strength in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, it is recommended by the expert to include urad dal in your daily diet. Eating this dal also helps in bulk stool formation and also fixes scanty blood flow.
5. Chickpeas
If weight loss is on your mind, chickpeas can be your friend. These help in drying up the fat cells due to their extremely drying nature along with Vata’s aggravating properties.
Is Dal Enough For Your Protein Requirements?
Many people think that just consuming dal on a daily basis is enough to meet your daily protein requirement, but it isn’t. As per holistic health coach Luke Coutinho, lentils and legumes are incomplete proteins that lack essential amino acids like methionine. However, to make sure to have a balanced meal, combine dal with rice and wheat – which are low in lysine and rich in methionine. When you combine these two food items, it becomes packed with essential amino acids necessary for human health.
How To Digest Dal Like A Pro
While various dals have multiple health benefits, digesting them could seem like a task for many – thanks to their high fibre 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 gut happy, don’t skip on soaking dal. Soak it for at least 4-6 hours to break down its tough exterior. This will make it easier to digest and reduce the chances of gas and bloating.
2. Avoid Tomatoes And Lemon Mid-Cooking
Yes, tomatoes and lemon make your dal flavourful their acidity can toughen the dal’s skin during cooking, making it harder to digest. The expert suggests boiling tomatoes first, removing the seeds, and only adding them later. As for lemon, add it to your dal only after it is fully cooked and soft.
3. Keep Salt For Last
Adding salt too early can harden the dal’s outer later and lead to uneven cooking. While cooking, add the salt at the end for best results.
4. Use Spices And Fat
Spices aren’t just there to level up the flavour. Using hing, bay leaves, and ajwain helps break down complex carbs in pulses, which reduces gas and makes your digestion smoother. A fat base won’t just add flavour but also help your body absorb nutrients better.
Also Read:Urad Dal For Skin: 5 Amazing Home Remedies To Fight Skin Problems
Which is your favourite kind of dal? Let us know in the comments below.
