Horse Gram Health Benefits
Find out everything about horse gram, the miracle pulse. A traditional elixir for ailments like diabetes, heart disease, kidney stones, asthma, obesity, cold and many more, horse gram is highly protein-rich, high in calcium, low in fat and full of antioxidants. Here are 11 horse gram benefits that are sure to convince you to try it out. Plus, there is a recipe in here too!
What is Horse Gram?
Horse gram is the most protein-rich lentil found on the planet. It is very high-powered. That is why race horses are fed with this gram, which is called horse gram in the market.
This important and under-utilized tropical crop is grown mostly in dry agricultural lands and keeps a rather low profile nowadays, but is ready to expand its reputation! Here’s why.
Horse Gram Health Benefits
1 Insulin Resistance
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology have found that unprocessed, raw horse gram seeds have the ability to reduce high blood sugar following a meal, by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and reducing insulin resistance by inhibiting protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1β. This makes it an extra diabetic-friendly food.
#2 Full of Antioxidants
Horse gram seeds are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins – the major antioxidants present in fruits that makes them so healthy. In this article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers from the Department of Grain Science and Technology at the Central Food Technological Research Institute at Mysuru found abundant antioxidant activity in horse gram, in addition to reducing power and ferrous ion-chelating potency.
#3 Helps Urinary Discharge
In Ayurveda, horse gram is a well-known diuretic and is reputed to be effective in increasing urine flow. For this purpose, horse gram can soup can be consumed twice a day for four weeks to show visible results.
#4 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.
#5 Heals Ulcers
Lipids in horse gram have been shown to have anti-ulcer activity due to the presence of phytosterol esters. Researchers from the Department of Surgery at Royal Free and University College of Medical School, London found that horse gram is highly beneficial in healing peptic and mouth ulcers.
#6 Asthma Relief
A common Ayurvedic prescription for asthmatic patients is to consume the paste of boiled horse gram and pepper, which aids in reducing cough, cold and congestion. Although not a cure for asthma, it has been known to provide immediate relief and help manage breathing problems.
#7 Keeps Heart Disease at Bay
According to established medical science, oxidative damage caused by free radicals plays a causative role in ageing and leads to diseases including several heart diseases. However, the human body is capable of minimizing this damage with the right nutrients and antioxidants. Raw horse gram is particularly rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins, the major antioxidants. It is also low in fat and high in carbohydrate content, making it healthier for the heart.
#8 Is Horse Gram Good for Weight Loss?
Eating plenty of horse gram can actually help in the management of obesity as it has the ability to attack fatty tissue, thanks to its high phenol content. The effectiveness of horse gram is so well known in Tamil tradition that there is a Tamil saying, “Ellachavanukku Ella Kudu, Kozhuthavanakku Kolla Kudu,” which translates to, “For a frail person, sesame seeds and for an obese person, horse gram.”
#9 Keeps You Warm in Winter
Horse gram – especially in the form of soup – has the ability to generate heat and energy in the system and therefore keeps you warm on a cold winter day.
#10 Good for the Bones
Horse gram is high in iron, calcium and protein. In fact, horse gram has the highest calcium content among pulses and is one of the richest vegetarian sources of protein.
#11 Controls Menstrual Problems
Horse gram contains iron in high levels, which helps to cure irregular menstrual cycles. It also increases your blood hemoglobin due to its high iron content.
Horse Gram Nutritional Values
100 gm of horse gram contains:
|
Protein |
22 gm |
|
Mineral |
3 gm |
|
Fiber |
5 gm |
|
Carbohydrates |
57 gm |
|
Iron |
7 mg |
|
Calcium |
287 mg |
|
Phosphorus |
311 mg |
Horse Gram Side Effects
Horse gram contains phytic acid which is an anti-nutrient – that means it can stop your body from absorbing all that nutrient goodness. But all is not lost because if you soak, sprout or cook horse gram seeds before putting them in your food, the phytic acid content is significantly reduced, according to research.
Here is what Sadhguru has to say about horse gram side effects: “Consuming horse gram generates heat in the body. You know that it is causing excessive heat when you notice that your eyeballs are hot or that you want to pee, your bladder is full but it does not come out and it hurts. That means there is excess heat. If such a thing happens, you just drink some ash gourd juice or take some castor oil and apply it either inside the navel or the Anahata, Vishuddhi, Agna and at two particular spots behind the ears. If you apply castor oil on these points, the system will cool down within five minutes. When you go to the bathroom, everything will happen without effort. You can also balance the excess heat by eating green gram. Sprouted green gram will cool the system.”
For horse gram soups & kheer, please view in my recipe blog. Thanks