Horse Gram (Kulthi): Overview, Uses and benefits

Table of content

• What is Horse Gram 

• Origin of Horse Gram (Kulthi)

• Horse gram dal benefits

• Nutritional Value of Horse Gram

• Horse Gram Uses 

• Horse gram side effects

• FAQ on Horse Gram (Kulthi)

Introduction

Horse gram, scientifically known as Macrotyloma Uniflorum, is a legume widely cultivated in Southern Asia. Horse gram has outstanding nutritional value. Horse gram is an integral part of Indian cuisine because of its unique flavor and texture. In this article, you will get to know about the horse gram dal benefits and its uses along with horse gram side effects.

What is Horse Gram 

Horse gram is a legume which belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is rich in protein and other nutrients along with some medicinal properties. It is consumed whole, sprouted, or ground. In addition to being used in traditional Indian foods such as dals, soups, and salads, horse gram is also consumed across the world in the form of sprouted or cooked seeds, as a health drink made with powdered powder.

Origin of Horse Gram (Kulthi)

Horse gram was discovered at Indian archaeological sites; it is a native of tropical southern Asia. It was domesticated in India early and is currently farmed as a legume. 

Horse gram dal benefits

Horse gram has been linked to several health advantages including weight loss and heart health. Some of the kulthi dal benefits are mentioned below:

Rich in Nutrient

Horse gram is an excellent source of protein and fibre which promotes healthy blood sugar levels and also helps to cut down the appetite. Other necessary vitamins and minerals found in it include iron, phosphorus, and vitamin C.

Full of antioxidants

Horse gram seeds are a great source of polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins, which are the main antioxidants in fruits and are what give them their health benefits. Researchers from the Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysuru's Department of Grain Science and Technology discovered substantial antioxidant activity in horse gram in addition to reducing power and ferrous ion-chelating potency in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Controls diabetes

Horse gram is scientifically known for the prevention and control of diabetes and for promoting healthy sugar levels in the human body. It is found that the glycemic index can be lowered by consuming raw, unsprouted horse gram seeds after a meal because they delay the digestion of carbohydrates and lower insulin resistance. 

Prevents kidney stones

Strong antioxidant concentrations found in horse gram seeds are a necessary component for reducing and occasionally stopping the crystallization process that leads to kidney stones. Since a buildup of calcium phosphate salts in the kidney crystallizes and hardens, the only way to dissolve kidney stones is through the action of antioxidants that help to eliminate free radical particles. 

Promotes weight loss

Horse gram is abundant in fibres and proteins, which are crucial in weight loss plans. It contains natural fat-burning properties that could lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). The seeds' high fibre content aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Improves heart health

The consumption of fibre-rich foods, like horse gram, regularly, helps to lower bad cholesterol levels in the body, such as LDL cholesterol, and increase good cholesterol levels in the body, such as HDL cholesterol. This also helps to prevent various types of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, heart stroke, etc.

Protects liver function

When ingested raw, horse gram offers a good source of critical plant-based nutrients like flavonoids and polyphenols. These are organic substances with hepatoprotective qualities, which means they shield the liver. These substances also support the gallbladder's efficient operation.

Benefits of drinking Horse gram water

There are many benefits of drinking horse gram water as it induces weight loss, lowers the blood sugar level, reduces cholesterol, treats menstruation and increases the sperm count. 

Nutritional Value of Horse Gram

There is a good amount of nutrition present in horse gram. The nutrition in horse gram per 100g is as follows:

• Horse gram protein per 100 g: 22g

• Horse gram mineral per 100g : 3g

• Horse gram carbohydrate per 100g: 56 g

The amount of horse gram calories that can be consumed is 321 calories. 

Horse Gram Uses 

There are many uses of Horse gram that are beneficial to human health. Some of these uses of horse gram are:

• Due to its distinctive flavor and texture, horse gram is used in a wide range of cuisines.

•  Recipes including soups, stir-fries, curries, and dals frequently use horse gram. 

• The majority of recipes call for either soaking or sprouting the seeds before boiling, pressing, and seasoning. 

• Additionally, the seeds may be roasted, blended with various herbs and spices, and pounded into a fine powder before being used as a garnish for rice.

• It is used to keep yourself warm in winter as the consumption of horse gram generates heat.

Horse gram side effects

With all the benefits that horse gram comes with there are certain side effects of horse gram as well. Some of the potential kulthi dal side effects are as follows:

• Horse gram has a particular type of carbohydrate called raffinose oligosaccharide which is the cause of stomach bloating and indigestion. Excess consumption of Horse grams can cause these side effects. 

• There are certain allergies which are caused by the consumption of horse gram.

• There are some anti-nutrients present in Horse grams which lead to a decrease in absorption of certain minerals.

Take-Home Point

Horse gram is a healthy legume which is full of nutritional and medicinal benefits. If you want to ease your digestion or lose some weight then you should consume horse grams. However, everything should be taken in an appropriate amount because excess of anything is bad. Overconsumption of horse gram can cause bloating and gas. Horse gram may be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach or can be added to salads for the desired benefits. 

References

• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13749-013-0012-z#citeas

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrotyloma_uniflorum

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4397296/

• https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf101335r

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24219323/