Did you know Urad dal is a versatile pulse that improves the general well-being of a person?
Today, in this fast-paced life, lazy nutrition becomes an issue. Exalted are these pulses because they seem to carry some magic that supports our well-being. Urad dal is a kind of lentil and it's native to India. The extra fiber, protein, and nutrients are enough to make it one of the favorite eats for most. It's commonly used in Indian kitchens and particularly in preparing idlis, dal makhani, and vada. A small black-shucked bean is creamy white inside: Urad dal is used for medicine in Ayurveda. Let us find out more on Urad dal benefits.
Benefits of Urad Dal
Improves Heart Health
One of the good features of Urad dal is the potassium, fiber, and magnesium content, which makes it very good for the heart. Therefore, Urad dal doesn't allow bad cholesterol to form deposits known as plaques in the arteries that might otherwise cause blockage and many cardiovascular disorders in patients. The fiber in Urad dal keeps cholesterol in check as it hampers absorption into the bloodstream.
It Balances Kapha and Vata
It improves moisture in tissues, and that is the reason why Urad dal becomes difficult to digest. Urad dal has the disadvantage of sweet taste even when digestion is completed. This leads to balancing Vata dosha and enhances Kapha dosha. It does not help in Pitta Dosha.
Useful in Vajikarana Therapy
The urad dal is very high in potassium and acts as an aphrodisiac and is for use in vajikarana therapy. High sodium and low potassium mostly cause high blood pressure. Therefore, urad dal contains a lot of potassium, providing a balance of sodium and potassium levels, thus reducing hypertension or high blood pressure. Since potassium is good at reducing high blood pressure, this also helps improve erection. This bean is popularly called Vajikarana Food.
Helps in Erectile Dysfunction and Male Infertility
Men's health problems like erectile dysfunction and low sperm count are some of the diseases caused by imbalanced vata dosha, but some Ayurveda Acharyas suggest the use of "Masha" in various male health conditions. It contributes to the nourishment of the male reproductive system and balances misaligned dosas. Especially apana vayu. Urad dal is also suggested as one of the top remedies for treating constipation and male infertility.
Helpful in Treating PCOD
Urad dal benefits females in several ways. It is useful in treating dysmenorrhea, acting as the best protein diet for women suffering from PCOD and PCOS. It encourages fat loss but anabolic changes in body composition toward muscle development. It is that dal first given to girls when they hit puberty.
Helps Lactating Women
Urad Dal acts as cashew oil and is beneficial for those women who are still feeding their babies because it also promotes lactation and improves/boosts the quality of milk produced during breastfeeding.
Acts as a Coolant in Cystitis and UTI
Urad dal is recommended to be given in cystitis because it reduces the inflammation of the inner layers of the bladder and alleviates the burning sensation in the case of UTI.
Benefit to the Skin
The flour from Urad dal can be mixed with chickpea flour and applied as a face pack. Place 1 teaspoon of urad dal flour into a bowl along with 1 teaspoon chickpea flour. Add enough water and mix well. Apply this to the face and wash off with plain water after 20 minutes. This helps in adding glow to the face and fairness.
Weight Gain
Urad dal is used to help achieve a healthy weight. This pulse serves as healthy food for men doing Vajikarana Therapy.
Controls Blood Sugar Level
Urad dal helps control blood sugar levels due to its high potassium content. Its fiber content has made it popularly known for reducing cholesterol levels. Urad dal helps maintain a healthy heart by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). In addition, it is rich in magnesium and potassium, essential for balancing blood pressure levels.
How to Use Urad Dal
Here are some of the most suitable ways through which you can add urad dal to your diet:
- You can boil the urad dal dried seeds and include them in several recipes.
- Grind urad dal into flour and add some protein when baking bread.
- Dosa and idli are made from urad dal, the primary component of dishes. These are fermented cakes made from rice and dhal.
Side Effects of Urad Dal
Moderation in the consumption of urad dal results in a number of health benefits. In excess, though, the adverse effects will surface in some individuals. These are some side effects associated with Urad dal. Consumption of urad dal leads to the production of oligosaccharides, which are carbohydrates that may present challenging digestion to certain people. However, excessive intake of urad dal results in bloating and digestive discomfort.
High purines in the body come from urad dal consumption because, when urad dal is overeaten, uric acid formation increases in the body and precipitates gout attacks in people who are susceptible. Urad dal has some antinutritional factors that affect minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc absorption, as in other legumes, including tannins and phytic acid.
Urad Dal Nutrition
One Cup of Urad Dal Provides:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Proteins: 25g
- Fats: 1.5g
- Iron: 7.5mg
- Calcium: 138 mg
- Magnesium: 280mg
Wrapping It Up
Urad Dal is a nutrition-giving legume. Its unmatched benefits include improving digestion, heart health, energy, and reproductive health. In addition to cooking, Urad Dal, or Black gram, is also an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine dealing with issues ranging from diabetes to skin problems. In both cases, its high nutrient content promotes overall health and mental well-being. Adding Urad Dal into your diet is not just a smart way to promote good health; it is also a magnifier of health concepts.
