Eat More Pulses for Weight Loss

Pulses have a very important place in our diet, especially for non-meat eaters, as a source of protein.

In olden times, pulse was called poor man’s meat for its high protein content. However, there is nothing poor about pulse. If anything, it is rich in essential nutrients to keep our body healthy and energetic.

The protein-rich pulses are excellent for weight loss programs. They are low-fat high fiber foods that have found a place in many weight loss diet plans.

Let us examine the nutritional value of pulses and their benefits.

Proteins

Most of the pulses contain around 25% protein, with some of them like Soya having more than 30%. The vegetable protein present in pulses are easily digestible than those proteins present in meat. However, pulses contain only less quantities of essential amino acid, methionine.

On its own, pulses are not good substitutes for meat. This deficit can be rectified by adding grains to the diet.

Vitamin B complex

B Vitamins are well known for their health benefits. Pulses are a good source of many B Vitamins like B1, B2, B3 and B6.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Vitamin B1 has a vital role in the energy generation of the body. Without this vitamin, our body feels weak and tired, even after consuming healthy food. This vitamin plays an important role in the smooth functioning of organs like muscles, heart and nervous system.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Vitamin B2 promotes growth of our body. It plays a vital role in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. It helps in the making of red blood cells, which is the oxygen-supplier to the entire body.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Vitamin B3 is critical for the flawless performance of our nervous system, digestive system and skin. It also takes part in the body process of converting food into energy.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 is the most important for our immune system. It creates antibodies to fight infections. It also assists in the creation of red blood cells and help in maintaining the nervous system.

B6 vitamin is essential for breaking down protein in our body. When we eat more protein, more vitamin B6 is required to process it. The deficiency of this vitamin causes dizziness, nausea and changes in behavior.

Potassium

Pulses are a good source of potassium. In fact, they contain more potassium than even banana. Potassium is required for the trouble-free functioning of muscular and nervous systems.

Pulse coating or skin is rich in anti-oxidants. They are found to be beneficial in lowering cholesterol, improving digestion and as a preventive for cancer. The anti-ageing properties of pulses are also recently unearthed.

With all the benefits, pulses make a meal tasty and colorful. It can be eaten raw, sprouted, sautéed, boiled and ground to make your meals delicious as well as healthy.

Pulses are the perfect source of protein for those on weight loss diet. They are also low in fat content, that too of the unsaturated kind.

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