Health Benefits of Horse Gram(Kulath)
Horse gram (kulath) known for its impressive nutrient profile and medicinal properties.Horse gram is rich in nutrients, including protein and fiber.also contains a variety of other essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, phosphorus, molybdenum and vitamin C.
Helps in weight loss:
Horse gram is a great source of plant-based protein, which helps in weight loss. It increases levels of appetite-reducing hormones like GLP-1, PYY and CCK, while reducing levels of the hunger hormone - ghrelin, which makes us crave less to eat, thus aiding weight loss.
Improves heart health:
Raw horse gram is particularly rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins,the major antioxidants,low fat making it healthier for the heart.
Control of diabetes:
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology have found that unprocessed raw horse gram seeds not only possess antihyperglycemic properties but also have qualities which reduce insulin resistance.A comparative analysis between horse gram seeds and their sprouts and found that the seeds have greater beneficial effects on the health of hyperglycemic individuals. The majority of antioxidant properties are confined to the seed coat.
Glowing Skin:
The astringent properties of horse gram are helpful in treating skin diseases & also used as a facial pack.
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine:
Horse gram powder does wonders in treating various health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, urinary, jaundice, peptic ulcer, haemorrhoids and even menstrual problems.
Lower Cholesterol Levels:
The benefits of eating horse gram sprouts also include controlling the cholesterol levels. The seeds contain lipids and fibre in it which help in controlling and managing the LDL level.
Prevents Kidney Stones:
Due to its diuretic properties, horse gram is very effective in assisting in the removal of kidney stones. In addition, making horse gram a part of your regular diet will aid in avoiding the formation of stones in the kidneys, as horse gram contains certain compounds that make these stones soluble.
Helps improve sperm count:
Horse gram contains significant amounts of calcium, phosphorous, iron, and other amino acids. These are essential nutrients that have been known to help increase sperm count in males.
Nutritional facts of horse gram per 100gm:
Calories:321
Protein – 22 gm.
Carbohydrates – 57 gm.
Minerals – 3 gm.
Calcium – 287 mg.
Phosphorus – 311 mg.
Iron – 7 mg.
Fibers – 5 gm.
Thiamine-0.4
Riboflavin-0.2
Niacin-1.4
Antioxidants – polyphenols and flavonoids.
Horse gram is being widely consumed globally today, in the form of the sprouted or boiled seeds, as a health drink made with the ground powder, as well as in traditional Indian dishes like dals, soups and salads.
1)Making Kulthi soup: -Take 200 grams of Kulthi Dal and add 2 liters of water to a pan. -Start boiling it on a slow flame (here the method of cooking is slow cooking).After it reduces to half,strain through the seive the thick extract for soup.Now add the finely chopped green chillies, minced garlic, ½ tsp. pepper powder and salt along with 1 tbsp. tamarind juice. Boil it well Give a tempering of 2 dry red chillies, 1 tsp. mustard seeds and a few curry leaves in 1 tsp. oil.
2)The seeds are also sometimes roasted, mixed with other herbs and spices, and ground into a fine powder to be sprinkled over rice.
3)Horse gram sprouts
Ingredients:
1 cup sprouted horse gram
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
¼ tsp cumin seeds
1 dry red chili broken
1 spring curry leaves
¼ cup onion finely chopped
1 small tomato finely chopped
Salt to taste
½ tsp cumin powder
¼ tsp garam masala
A pinch of chili powder
1 tsp lemon juice
Potential side effects:
horse gram contains a specific type of carbohydrate called raffinose oligosaccharides, which may cause gas and bloating during digestion.Horsegram contains phytic acid which prevents absorption of nutrients but if its soaked overnight/sprouted this problem can be avoided.Avoid the intake of horse gram when suffering from gout, as uric acid levels are already alarmingly high around the joints in this condition and legumes could contribute to further increasing acidity.Horse gram is indeed a superfood, owing to its immense nutritive values and fitness benefits.
