Dals: Amazing benefits of 9 different Lentils

Lentils are small lens shaped seeds and belong to the legume family. It is a yearly crop and many different types of lentils are found in India and Canada. Lentils hindi name is Dal. There are numerous health benefits from lentils and they come in a variety of colors and shapes.

What are the health benefits FROM Lentils?

Due to numerous health benefits from lentils, an Indian thali (plate) is never complete without Dal (Lentils hindi name) and it is extremely popular in north as well as south India. You can prepare a variety of dishes with different kinds of lentils and all are amazingly delicious. One can either cook to consume lentils directly, or sprout them (why sprout?) or make them into a batter for wraps (recipe for lentil wrap or lentil soup ). There are several health benefits from lentils for kids that make them a must-have in your child’s daily diet.

The following nutrition information is provided by the USDA (United States deptt. of agriculture):

For 1 cup (198g) of cooked lentils with no added salt:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	230 kcal
Fat	0.8g
Sodium	4mg
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	15.6g
Sugar	3.6g
Protein	18g

Nutrition in Dal by Iyurved

Health benefits:

Rich in proteins: Amongst various health benefits of different kinds of lentils, the most important benefit is that it is rich in protein. Protein helps in building muscles & supports generation and regeneration of cells in the body. For kids, protein is a vital nutrient and should be included in their each and every meal. Each 1 cup serving of lentils provides a healthy 18 grams of protein, so it is a boon for vegetarian families and they can depend on lentils for their 90% of daily recommended intake of protein. (Why proteins are important for your kids?)

Aids digestion: Lentils are especially rich in prebiotic fiber which promotes digestive function and fuels the beneficial gut bacteria which are so important for our health. A fiber rich diet helps with a number of health benefits. (What is the role of prebiotics for good health?)

Reduces chronic diseases: Lentils have the highest total phenolic content in comparison to other common legumes which helps in reducing chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer and heart disease. (How to control the weight of the child?)

Supports heart health: Lentils are rich in fiber, folate and potassium making them a great choice for the heart and for managing blood pressure and cholesterol. They are also high in iron and vitamin B1 which helps maintain a steady heartbeat.

How many types of lentils are there?

Lentils come in different colours and slightly different shapes.

Green Moong:

Whether you eat them whole, with the skin on, without the skin or split, they are extremely beneficial in providing your body with proteins. Green moong sprouts are a wonderful source of protein, is high in dietary fiber and also a good source of manganese, potassium, folate, magnesium, copper, zinc, and vitamin B.

Yellow moong dal:

In addition to proteins, yellow moong dal is rich in iron and potassium and very easy to digest. It can be easily given to babies as their first solid meal in the form of khichadi combined with rice. (What foods can be given to babies who are starting solids?) In addition to this, moong dal benefits weight loss and is consumed as part of a detox diet.

Arhar or toor dal:

Arhar dal is packed with all the healthy nutrients and is widely used in North as well as south Indian cuisines. It contains nutrients like iron, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, Vitamin B and potassium making it vital for your child’s proper growth and development. (Nutrition tips for toddlers?)

Urad dal:

Urad dal is usually called black dal when whole and white when it is skinned and split. It is great in taste and in nutritional content. Urad dal is one of the best options to improve your digestion. It is a great source of protein and also helps lower your cholesterol levels. Your kids will love urad dal because it has a nice gooey feel and is extremely tasty. Mouth-watering dishes like daal makhni, sambar vada, dahi vada and many more dishes are prepared with it.

Masoor dal:

Masoor dal is available in black and orange color. Both are really delicious and rich. This dal is very versatile and can be cooked in different ways. Besides protein, It is one of the best sources of fiber, iron, amino acids, potassium and vitamin B1 for your little one. For adults, masoor dal can be very useful in reducing your cholesterol levels and ensuring that your sugar stays in check. (How can iron deficiency hamper your child’s growth and development?)

Lobia or Black-eyed pea:

Lobia is known to have originated from West Africa, but it is widely cultivated in Asia and the US. It is loaded with fiber which helps in keeping your child feeling fuller and also improves digestion considerably. In addition to this, it has high protein content making it an essential part of your child’s diet.

Matar Dal:

Matar dal is also one of the most versatile and easy to cook dals available in India. You can use the yellow variety or the green. You can cook it as an evening snack by simply roasting and seasoning it. Matar dal provides protein and fiber and hence you should definitely include it in your child’s diet. It is also rich in several minerals like manganese, folates, copper and potassium and contains essential vitamins such as vitamin B1 and B5. (Why vitamins are important for kids?)

Chick pea/ Bengal gram/ Chana dal:

This dal comes in two forms: a smaller one with a dark skin, which is called kala chana and the larger white one which is known as kabuli chana. You can cook it in different ways and it can be sprouted to add to a salad. It has anti-inflammatory qualities, is high on folate, molybdenum, manganese, copper, fiber, protein, iron and zinc. You can give Kabuli chana to your kids in the form of hummus or a more popular form in India is to cook it as a gravy (chhole) and serve with poori. (Pumpkin hummus recipe)

KULTHI DAL/ Horse Gram:

Horse Gram is one of the best sources of calcium in comparison to other lentils and hence it is good to develop more strength in your lower body. It is also high in protein, low in fat, and in lipid and sodium content, and is good for those who have diabetes or suffer from obesity. In addition to this, it is high in carbohydrates making it very beneficial for kids. (Why is balanced diet important for kids?)

When can we start giving lentils to kids?

Due to so many benefits of different kinds of lentils, giving lentils to babies and growing children is very important to promote proper growth and development in kids. Lentils can be safely given to a baby when he/she is 6 or 8 months old or when he/she starts taking foods other than milk. At that time, you can give lentils in a very watery/liquid form. Sometimes lentils are gaseous, so you have to watch. To minimize the gas problem, you can add some veggies and make a puree. The fiber in lentil helps the child in smooth and regular bowel movements. Gradually, you can increase the lentil intake in kids, as a growing child needs a lot more protein and other minerals and fibers. (Nutrition for kids)

Recipe for Chana Dal Hummus with hidden herbs:

Let’s try to make every healthy food recipe for a child more tasty and nutritious with (hidden) veggies, herbs and nuts.

Recipe for Chana dal hummus by Iyurved
Healthy hummus recipe — Recipe for chana dal hummus

Check the Recipe made with Ayurvedic spread by Iyurved- DAILY NUTRITION spread.

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