Five Types of Dals and their Health Benefits

A very common and nutritious ingredient in any Indian meal is Dal. Also known as pulses, they are described as the dried edible seeds of cultivated legumes. Pulses belong to the peas, beans and lentils family.

There are a variety of Dals. However, one thing is common among them. All the Dals are a rich source of protein and iron. So, it is advisable to include a mix of Dals in your daily diet.

Let us take a look at the prominent Super Five, viz.,  Toor Dal, Moong Dal, Urad Dal, Chana Dal and Kabuli Chana and know their health benefits.

1. Chana Dal: Also known as Bengal Gram Dal, it is one of the most popular legumes in India. Produced by removing the black outer layer of black chickpeas and then splitting into two halves, Chana Dal is very nutritious & the richest source of dietary protein. Trace minerals such as copper, manganese, etc., can be found in this Dal. Terragreen’s organic Chana Dal is also a delight for a diabetic as it has low Glycemic Index and this controls the rise of sugar level of the body. Also, it is low in fat and rich in fibres.

2. Moong Dal: Identified by their bright yellow colour, this type of Dal is skinned and split and that is why it appears to be flat. The best part about this Dal is that it cooks quickly, has almost zero saturated fat and is easily digestible. This is the reason people with digestion woes are advised to replace regular Toor Dal with Moong Dal. Since it also contains water-soluble fibres; its consumption helps in reducing LDL cholesterol and saves one from cardiovascular diseases. What’s more? Terragreens’ Moong Dal is rich in protein, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron and potassium too.

3. Toor Dal: Alternatively known as Yellow Pigeon Peas or Arhar Dal, this Dal is very popular in India, especially in Gujarat and is the base ingredient in Sambar. This Dal is rich in complex dietary fibres which help in regularising bowel movement. Also, the folic acid in this Dal makes it a good one for pregnant women. Apart from this, Terragreens’ organic Toor Dal is also rich in protein, carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium and is low in saturated fats and free of cholesterol.

4. Urad Dal: Referred to as Black Dal when whole and white when it is skinned and split, this Dal is very rich in proteins, Vitamin B, iron and fibres and used for making a variety of dishes. Regular consumption of Urad Dal generates energy in the body by balancing iron levels, improves digestion and controls cholesterol. Also, you can also find good fat, carbohydrates, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium in Terragreens’ organic Urad Dal.

5. Kabuli Chana: Popularly known as Chole, Gabenzo beans or white chickpeas, Kabuli Chana is an edible legume with a nutty and creamy flavour. Terragreens’ organic Kabuli Chana is rich in natural proteins and vitamins which play a major role in muscle and bodybuilding. Also, it contains minerals such as manganese, copper, iron and zinc, fibres and carbohydrates. With healthy phytochemicals, Kabuli Chana’s consumption can have magical effects on your health.

Organic Dals are the best!

With amazing health benefits, Terragreens’ Super Five organic Dals have been tested for traces of pesticide residue and found clean. Also, the five products are certified under NPOP and NOP standards of organic certification.

So, go ahead and take a good pick of Dals to your heart’s content!

It’s True! Chana Dal can be Your Ideal Weight Loss Food !

Today obesity is a common cause of concern all over the world. Processed food, fast food, and frozen foods have taken over our eating habits. As we grapple with weight issues, we are becoming prone to lifestyle illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. There are three primary reasons for gaining weight, which are as follows:

•    Sedentary lifestyle and decreased physical activity

•    Eating processed food

•    Low metabolism due to genetic factors

Your mirror or even your weighing scale will tell you that you have put on weight but what are you doing about it? Weight management is in your hand. Make sensible lifestyle changes! Start by getting onto a treadmill and as you sweat, begin to eat right.

Did you know that the humble chana dal is a great calorie buster and helps to reduce weight? Also known as Bengal Gram, it is high in fiber and has a low glycemic index making it easier to digest. Chana dal has a nutty taste and a soft buttery texture when cooked. Use the organic chana dal variety for a healthier option and get ahead in the weight loss race.

Make the right choice:

Chana dal is an excellent choice on your journey to weight loss, and organic chana dal is even better as you are sure it is free from pesticides and grown without any chemicals. Eat it regularly and reap its vast array of benefits.

Lose weight with chana dal:

Chana dal is loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber facilitating excretion of bile leading to proper digestion. The insoluble fiber bulks up the food preventing constipation and easing the digestive process. Fibre keeps you feeling full thereby curbing hunger pangs. Eat cooked dal or drink it in liquid form to enjoy all its benefits.

Boost your immunity with chana dal:

The presence of iron, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium in chana dal not only increase your energy levels but increases your resistance too. This helps you fight diseases while staying fit and healthy.

Fight diabetes with chana dal:

Chana dal comes with a low glycemic index and complex carbohydrates. Thus, it digests slowly regulating insulin and maintaining and reducing blood sugar levels. High fiber along with high protein also helps to manage diabetes better.

A healthy heart with chana dal:

With antioxidants, phyto nutrients, magnesium, and folate chana dal is perfect for cleansing and strengthening blood vessels and lowering cholesterol levels. Eating chana dal reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The superior dietary fiber prevents the formation of clots.

Benefits for women from chana dal:

Plant hormones and antioxidants are plentiful in chana dal thus lowering the risk of breast cancer. Chana dal also helps in protecting against osteoporosis and counters hot flashes in the postmenopausal phase in women. Chana dal is beneficial to pregnant women too as it prevents miscarriage.

Keep a healthy gut with chana dal:

The presence of fiber in chana dal helps maintain a healthy gut by reducing constipation and easing the digestive process. It also cures diseases like dysentery and diverticulosis. So make sure to include chana dal in your diet.

Get a glowing skin from chana dal:

Powered Chana dal is called besan which has been used extensively in skin care since ancient times. Use facial and body packs made from besan to get smooth blemish free skin. Our skin is subject to environmental pollution every day making it dull. Besan packs cleanse the skin leaving it fresh and soft. Use organic chana dal to make homemade besan and use it to make your skin glow.

Use good quality organic chana dal in your life changing healthy meal plan for effective weight loss and weight management. Cook the nutritious chana dal with spinach or tomatoes; or add boiled dal to salads, curries, and soups; or eat roasted chana dal as a snack on your way to your ideal weight.

THE PULSE OF REAL HEALTH

Look at any average Indian plate from anywhere in India –North, East, West or South; and you would for sure find some form and variety of pulses and dals.

Indians have always been smart and efficient when it comes to food – they can squeeze the most out of the seemingly simple food items that are super easy to prepare and consume.

Pulses and Dals are no exception

Whether it is Toor Dal, Chana Dal, Moong; pulses house a bag full of proteins –almost double of what is found in wheat and three times that of rice, as FAO too has suggested the same.

Their advantage is huge when we think of an option of slow-burning energy because pulses are low in calories but rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre. They are dense when it comes to fibre so they can easily bind toxins and cholesterol in the intestines thus enabling a quick exit of unwanted stuff from the body.

They are quite a cheap, easy and ‘ready to absorb’ powerhouse of proteins and pack quite a barrage of minerals like iron and zinc. Their role in cases of chronic diseases is also not hidden when it comes to diabetes, blood-related ailments, and cholesterol-linked conditions.

They are almost comparable to a non-vegetarian diet when one is looking for a full-blown, satiating meal. They help one feel full but without endangering the gut health.

It has also been noted that iron content inside pulses assists strongly in the transport of oxygen throughout the body, as a stimulant of energy production and metabolism.   

Being a low Glycemic Index food also empowers them to help in blood sugar control. They are a  good source of folate, a Bvitamin, which is critical when it comes to producing and maintaining  new cells. For those looking at a lowfat diet strategy, pulses are the easiest option  to go for without any of the expensive burdens. They encompass many important minerals and at the same time enable lowcarbs that are good for energy but without compromising fat intake. Weight watchers can enjoy pulses as they are just the thing the people on diet need.

Pulses enable the protein intake for people who cannot afford other food sources due to reasons of food choices or budget. They are hard to match when one thinks of the metabolism and digestion upsides that they quickly provide. Their role in containing fat and cholesterol while boosting energy, good fat, minerals, and anti-oxidants is paramount. They lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, are high in potassium and can lower blood pressure by balancing out the effects of sodium.

The uniqueness of Pulses is many folds. They can, unlike other foods, be easily grown with lower carbon footprints and at the same time, easily stored in dried form.

Some Indian households still carry habits like soaking dried pulses for several hours to activate their enzymes, and they also know how to avoid the phytate-side of raw pulses (which can affect absorption of minerals, such as iron and zinc).

Organic pulses retain many essential advantages of its nutrition and also address the need to avoid contamination due to chemical fertilisers and sprays.

Pulses can be readily applied to a variety of formats and in multiple cuisines. They can be stirred into a comfort soup or tossed with spaghetti or coupled with many versions of rice or wheat dishes. Pulses have always adjusted well to a variety of regional preferences, food cultures and cooking styles.

Next time you are looking for a super food, reach out for a pack of legumes and treat yourself with some wonder protein – Toor Dal, Urad Dal, Beans, Peanuts and other pulses. 

Explore the richness of Green Moong and Chana Dal.

Green moong whole is a very healthy food. Whole green moong is the cheapest and easiest way to add nutrition to your food. This tiny food is loaded with high protein and low calories.

They are packed with minerals and vitamins. They are high in fiber too, which is good for the digestive health. The high fiber content helps lower cholesterol. Thus, they are good for heart health.

When consumed regularly, green moong reduces bad cholesterol and improves the flexibility of veins and arteries. The fiber content prevents constipation and keeps the stomach full, thus reducing the constant urge of grabbing snacks. Green moong has low calorie and low fat.

Whole green moong are powerhouses packed with nutrients.  They have low sodium content. Sprouted green moong produces live enzymes which are good for health. Due to their low Glycemic Index (GI), they are a smart option for diabetic patients. The high fiber and protein content in the whole green moong help regulate the blood sugar.

Consuming green moong makes you look young. The anti-ageing properties of the tiny food stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, elastin, and collagen which are essential for healthy and radiating skin. Unlike other beans, green moong whole possesses oligosaccharides which prevent problems like bloating and gas. They are easily digestible and tasty too.

Add these green powerhouses in the diet in powdered form and mix with wheat flour. Prepare dosa from the green moong or have a bowl of sprouted whole green moong.

Chana Dal is nutritious and delicious too. It is also known as Bengal gram or chickpea. It is basically split and polished baby chickpeas. It is the most popular legume in India and is used in varied ways to make the food really tempting. This dal is a popular source of vegan protein.

Chana Dal helps in weight loss. This is due to its high fiber content which makes you feel full and thus keeps hands away from grabbing more food and thus extra calories.  The fullness of stomach helps in controlling appetite. It helps maintain low cholesterol levels, thus aiding in having a healthy heart. The regular consumption of chana dal can prevent stroke and other cardiac diseases.

It helps to regulate blood pressure and is good for those who suffer from hypertension. The potassium and magnesium content in chana dal provide electrolytes much needed to lower the high blood pressure levels.

Like green moong, chana dal has low Glycemic Index and hence is a superfood for diabetic patients. It helps to release glucose slowly and steadily into the bloodstream which is beneficial for the diabetics.

Apart from protein, chana dal is a rich source of zinc, folate, and calcium. The phytoestrogens present in the chana dal helps to regulate hormones in women. Due to its high iron content, chana dal is highly recommended in the diet in case of anemia. On a daily basis, chana dal is recommended for pregnant women, elders, and young children too. It can be mixed with rice and a plain khichdi can be prepared, or in grounded form can be used for several purposes.