Toor Dal, a Powerhouse in Pulses

To the average Indian, toor dal symbolises the aromatic memories of home-cooked food. Across the country, irrespective of cultural backgrounds, households have been relying on the hearty goodness of this lentil for the essential nutrients it provides. Research published in the Plant Foods for Human Nutrition journal corroborates the nutritional value that can be gained from it.

Also known as arhar dal or pigeon pea, toor dal is a powerhouse ingredient. Not only does it heighten the flavours in a simple meal comprising of rice or roti (Indian flatbread), but it also packs ample nourishment; so much so that it’s a healthy alternative to meat and other protein supplements.

Does Toor Dal Help with Weight Loss?

Frequent snacking behaviour is often associated with a lack of protein in one’s body. If you are concerned with maintaining your weight, a dietary intake that is rich in protein is a must.

A meal comprising of toor dal is known to provide your body with enough sustenance to leave you feeling energetic in between meals without having to snack often. The protein infused in a portion of toor dal coupled with its high fibre content leave you feeling full after a meal as the energy stores in your body are constantly being tapped into and refilled. This further helps you attain a balanced weight.

Is Toor Dal Good for Those with Dietary Restraints?

Toor dal has a low glycaemic index, meaning that it takes longer for your digestive system to break down the carbohydrates into glucose. This may sound bad, but in actuality, it positively affects those with diabetes as the toor dal helps manage their blood sugar levels.

Incidentally, if you don’t have diabetes, you should still consider eating plenty of toor dal because it has complex carbohydrates that altogether lessen the probability of chronic ailments.

What’s more is that it is also a good source of nutrients for those who have any gluten allergies or are gluten sensitive, because toor dal is gluten-free.

As a lentil that is rich in potassium and is cholesterol-free, toor dal should be incorporated into meals regularly, especially if you are prone to high blood pressure or suffer from any heart disease.

Does Toor Dal Cause Acidity?

Granted that pulses have a tendency to cause gas if not consumed properly, eating toor dal in moderation will help with digestion.

There are two simple solutions to preventing acidity, but also getting to enjoy a savoury dal fry dish. First, avoid overeating. Eating too much of any lentil can cause bloating and gastric troubles. So even if you are eating toor dal frequently, ensure the proportions are right.

Secondly, soak the toor dal overnight before preparing the dish. This helps activate the nutrients much better, and also, when the toor dal is being digested, it does not cause discomfort.

There are Other Benefits to Toor Dal Too

If the health benefits mentioned above haven’t convinced you yet as to why toor dal is one of the most superior lentils, here are other ways in which it helps:

• The folic acid in toor dal lessens birth defects by 70%. So pregnant women should incorporate it into their diet.
• It makes bowel movements more regular and prevents constipation.
• It provides a substantial percentage of the iron and calcium required daily.

Conclusion

A serving of toor dal does more good for your body than you realise. From maintaining energy levels to controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, toor dal works wonders for your health.