Masoor dal, also known as red lentil is a popular dal widely used in Indian cuisine owing to its indispensable nutritional profile and therapeutic benefits. Since times immemorial masoor dal had been valued for its umpteen nutritional benefits, culinary purposes and cultivated extensively in the Indian sub-continent. A bowl of masoor dal is all you need to meet your daily requirement of essential nutrients. It’s an easy to cook dal as it is a split lentil without skin and does not need prior soaking. Masoor dal with a mild sweetness and earthy flavour melds well with all spices and can be cooked into various delicacies.
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Masoor dal loaded with a whopping amount of protein and iron makes it a perfect addition in the vegetarian’s meal plan. Red lentils goes by several vernacular names such as Masur or Masoor in Hindi, Masur in Marathi, Masuri in Bengali, Chanagi in Kannada, Misur paruppu in Tamil and Masur pappu in Telugu. Masoor dal is used in traditional Ayurvedic formulations to balance the Kapha and Pitta dosha and it increases Vata dosha.
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Masoor Dal Nutritional Facts:
Red lentil or masoor dal is an excellent source of vital nutrients like iron, protein, fibre and minerals. A cup of masoor dal provides you with 14 grams of protein, 8 grams of dietary fibre, 44.5 grams of carbohydrate, and 6 mg of iron. It is a healthy addition for all those who want to lose weight due to its high fibre and protein content. It is also a rich source of potassium, which acts as a vasodilator and controls blood pressure. Besides these, it has notable amounts of vitamin C, B6, B2, folic acid, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Masoor dal is super flavoursome and delicious and can be made into several dishes like masoor dal kichadi, dal makhani, masoor dal soup and masoor dal paratha.
Health Benefits Of Masoor Dal:
Manages Diabetes
Masoor dal is an abundant source of dietary fibre and low on the glycaemic index, making it an ideal addition in the diabetic’s meal plan. Masoor dal is known to slow down the gastric emptying time, delay digestion and avert blood sugar spike. Regular addition of this dal helps diabetic’s to regulate the blood sugar level considerably.
Promotes Skin Health
Notable amounts of potent antioxidants in masoor dal combats free radical damage of skin tissues and confers anti-ageing benefits for glowing skin. The rich array of essential nutrients in masoor dal bolsters the immune system and works as an anti-ageing superfood. Apart from this, masoor dal face pack blended with turmeric and honey helps to lighten the skin tone and remove dark spots. Masoor dal face packs assist in nourishing the skin from inside out and revamps the skin radiance and glow.
Maintains Weight
Red lentils or masoor dal can be a great addition to your diet that facilitates to shed excess fat and lose weight naturally. Ample amount of dietary fibre in masoor dal keep you satiated, slows down the digestion process and also regularise the bowel movements. A diet rich in fibre and protein is proven to curb the unwanted hunger pangs, reduces overall calorie intake and promotes weight loss.
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Improves Gut Health
Masoor dal has a significant source of dietary fibre, which is incredibly good to stimulate the digestion process and averts the instances of constipation, bloating and other digestive woes. Red lentils add bulks to the stool and enhance the peristalsis movement which assists in the smooth passing of food and waste materials out of the system. Furthermore, masoor dal can prevent stomach ulcers, colon cancer and other digestive ailments.
Strengthens Bones
Noteworthy amounts of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in masoor dal are beneficial in building bone health and maintaining healthy teeth. Red lentils have the amazing potential to lower the risk of bone injuries, fractures and osteoporosis as you age. The essential nutrients in masoor dal are well known to promote growth and development.
Ayurveda Uses
Lentils are a wholesome and an important part of a healthful diet and widely used in culinary domains and traditional medicines. Masoor dal is light on the gut and well-known to improve skin complexion and muscle strength. It increases Vata dosha and pacifies Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Masoor dal is an important ingredient in Ayurveda formulations like trayantadi kashayam, which is used in the treatment of skin abscess, bleeding and liver disorders. Mukhadooshikari lepam also contains masoor dal is used to heal pimples and acne, which works by cleansing the skin from deep within and improves skin complexion and texture.
Additional Benefits
Augments Heart Health
The goodness of dietary fibre in masoor dal helps to diminish bad cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol levels in the body. This improves blood circulation and prevents the deposit of plaque in the blood vessels, thereby lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, optimise cardiac muscle functions and boost heart health.
Good Vision
Masoor dal laden with eye-friendly nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E is essential for maintaining a healthy vision and good eyesight. While being rich in protein and antioxidants regular addition of this dal may shield the eye against defects and lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataract.
Conclusion:
The treasure trove of nutrients present in masoor dal including protein, antioxidants, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and vitamins C, B6, B2 and folic acid are resources of immense health benefits. The small red coloured lentils are a healthy addition in our diet regimen which is known to uplift both the physical and mental health.
