Miracle of Yellow Moong Dal

Another day of lockdown and now we are running out of vegetables. Once again the easily available Moong Dal comes to our rescue.  But although it has been cultivated in India for about 4,500 years, how much, do we really know about it?

Yellow Moong Dal, the de-skinned and split variety of Moong Dal is nutritious, aiding in digestion without any side effects. Read on, to know more of its various health benefits:

Easy to Digest: While most lentils cause bloating, Yellow Moong Dal is considered one of the easiest to digest. It contains a soluble fibre known as "pectin", which by moving the food faster, keeps bowels healthy. Its carbohydrates are also far easier to digest than those found in other lentils. Its kichadi is recommended for the sick and the invalid.

Nutrient Content: It’s highly absorbable protein content, makes it  the best source of plant based proteins. Being high in folate (vitamin B9), it facilitates cell and tissue growth, hormonal balance, cognitive function, and reproduction. Folate is extremely vital during pregnancy as it helps in preventing early births and neural tube defects. It also provides magnesium, considered important for digestion, heart functioning, neurotransmitter release and, muscle tissue repair. Being extremely rich in iron, considerably reduces the risk of anaemia ( a condition caused by low oxygen carrying capacity of the blood)  

Balances Body Weight: Yellow Moong in terms of its nutrition value, contains high levels of fibre. This increases the metabolism rate and makes you feel satiated after consuming optimal quantities of food. Further, being relatively low incalories it prevents build-up of excessive body fat.

Maintains Heart Health: Oxidized LDL cholesterol, by accumulating in the inner lining of blood vessels restricts blood flow causing cardiac arrests or strokes. Research has found that Yellow Moong Dal is highly effective in inhibiting LDL “bad” cholesterol oxidation. Additionally, through its antioxidant phenolic components (which act like free-radical scavengers) it regulates cholesterol levels and lowers inflammation. Yellow Moong Dal also contains magnesium, potassium and fibre content, which helps to lower blood pressure. It is also believed that due to its high concentration of protein fragments (peptides), it helps relax constricted blood vessels.

Controls Blood Sugar: Having a low glycaemic index, it effectively controls blood glucose, insulin and fat, minimising the risk of increased sugar levels and diabetes. Antioxidants in Moong Dal beans, as well as the fibre and protein, help insulin work more efficiently lowering blood sugar levels.

Resist Cancer Growth: Moong dal contains many antioxidants which are effective at neutralizing free radicals, which are potentially harmful molecules in the body. Its high levels of amino acids, oligosaccharides and polyphenols help fight the growth of cancer.

Boost Immunity: Yellow Moong Dal has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antihypertensive and antitumor properties. These fight harmful bacteria, viruses, colds, rashes, irritations etc and so increase immunity. By also supporting a healthy balance of bacteria within the digestive tract, it helps nutrient absorption and boosts immunity.

Given its myriad benefits, it’s no wonder that Yellow Moong Dal is considered the  “Best of all the Pulses”. Click below to view a simple Dal fry recipe prepared by Master Chef Nisha Madhulika.

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