Is Chana Dal Good For Weight Loss? Find Out!

Famously used in Indian dishes, the chana dal is a staple we cannot do without. Used in chutney, vadas, dals, pancakes, halwas, and more, chana dal is a wholesome legume that holds numerous health benefits. Used widely since the ancient times in India, this centuries-old legume is grown in large numbers in the country. It accounts for 45-50% of the pulses production in India!

What are the health benefits of chana dal? It has survived the test of time, and the health benefits must be the reason, right? Is chana dal good for weight loss? We will answer all those questions and tell you more. Read on.

What is Chana Dal?

Before we try to answer the question, ‘Is chana dal good for weight loss?’ let’s first find out what chana dal is. Chana dal is a legume that is made by skinning and splitting chickpeas. It is also known as baby chickpeas and is highly nutritious. When ground, it is known as besan or chickpea flour that is also very popular in India.

Health Benefits of Chana Dal

A chana dal-rich diet offers a lot of health benefits.

Better Heart Health

According to the journal, ‘Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism‘, a chickpea-rich diet can decrease bad cholesterol in our bodies. This means it can help prevent the build-up of plaque in our arteries, that can cause heart damage.

Stronger Muscles, Better Immunity

The ‘Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health‘, states that protein helps prevent loss of muscle mass and loss of immunity, among other things. Chana dal is rich in protein (each cup contains about 7-8% of protein). Most nutritionists emphasise on the importance of protein intake.

Healthier Bones & Teeth

A cup of chana dal provides 6% of the recommended daily calcium intake. Calcium is necessary for stronger bones and teeth. It can help prevent osteoporosis and improve bone density. This is supported by the findings published in the journal, ‘Clinical Interventions in Aging‘.

Helps in the Prevention of Cancer and Other Diseases

Chana dal is rich in folate or folic acid. The ‘National Institutes of Health‘ states that folate can help in the prevention of diseases like cancer, stroke, dementia, depression etc.

Helps Treat Type 2 Diabetes

The presence of fibre helps in battling type 2 diabetes, states a study in the ‘Nutrients‘ journal. Chana dal has high fibre content. Pulses like chana dal have a low glycemic index which does not cause a spike in the blood sugar levels.

Is Chana Dal Good For Weight Loss?

Yes, a big YES. It helps in three ways that play a significant role in weight loss:

1. Increases Feelings of Satiety:

The journal ‘Obesity‘ published a study that found that legumes like chana dal can help you feel full. This means that you consume fewer calories and don’t overeat. Gradually, it leads to weight loss without causing any drastic changes in your body.

2. Rich in Fibre:

The connection between fibre and weight loss is long known to us. A study published in the ‘Nutrients‘ journal found that fibre helps in maintaining a healthy weight. It also helps in better elimination of waste from our intestines. Chana dal is rich in this dietary fibre.

3. Rich in Healthy Fats:

Trans fats or saturated fats may be termed as ‘bad fats’ that cause weight gain. But about 70% of chana dal’s fat content has ‘good fats’ like polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats. These won’t make you gain weight but instead, help in better heart health and support other body functions like anti-inflammation, etc., states ‘Harvard Medical School‘.

This tells us why the answer to – ‘Is chana dal good for weight loss?’ is a yes. An article in ‘The Times of India‘ states that several studies have found the relation between chickpeas and weight loss. Chana dal is derived from chickpeas. The article further states that chickpeas helped keep weight loss plans on track and lowered food consumption. Research published in the ‘Nutrients‘ journal supports this. Now you can use chana dal for weight loss without a worry.

Nutrition Facts

Is chana dal good for weight loss? Having a look at these nutrition facts will help you answer that in the positive.

Serving size: 1 cup cooked (182g)

Source

Shed Some Kilos!

Now you know the answer to the question, ‘Is chana dal good for weight loss?’ Chana dal for weight loss is a diet secret that you are now privy to. Add it to your everyday meals and make the most of its multiple health benefits. You can consume it in many forms, as a snack, in a boiled salad, as a dal in your main course or as a dessert.

The next time someone asks you, ‘Is chana dal good for weight loss?’ show them this article. Chana dal will make you healthier in no time! Go for it.

Try out 24 Mantra Organic’s Chana Dal and enjoy a healthy meal!