Pulses or dal are a rich source of protein and form an essential component of our diet. Pulses comprise of the edible seeds of plants as a part of the legume family. We have a variety of pulses to choose from as they arrive in variety of shapes, sizes and colours. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) recognizes 11 types of pulses: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, lupins and pulses nes, or other minor pulses. The term ‘pulses’ is limited to crops that are harvested only as dry grains, clearly distinguishing them from other vegetable crops, that are usually harvested while still grain.
Pulses are nutritious and it is advisable to consume at least a bowl of pulses in lunch and dinner. It is interesting to note that not just being a rich source of essential nutrients, pulses can aid in weight loss too. One such dal which is extremely useful for reducing weight is Split Chickpeas or Chana Dal. The pulses is free of fats and cholesterol. Split Chickpeas improves digestion along with improving the health of intestines. Split Chickpeas, thus, increases metabolic rate in the body with faster digestion, thereby, reducing unnecessary fat in the body. Chana dal can be combined with other pulses to enrich the taste and flavour. Mixing other lentils with Split Chickpeas enriches your diet with proteins and boosts your immunity. So, if you are missing this essential component from your diet, it gives you all the way more reason to stay fit, healthy and working throughout the day.
Moreover, pulses are easy to cook, can be consumed separately and provide ways to encourage sustainable agriculture.
Watch more videos on Health Talk
