Know The Benefits Of Lentil Water: An Ayurvedic Formula For Optimal Health
Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t imagine a meal without a bowl of lentils (dal) especially in your growing years if you’re of Indian origin. From the humble green lentil (moong), red lentil (masoor), split pigeon pea (toor), and split chickpeas (chana dal) to the fancy beans (rajma), cowpeas (lobia) and chickpeas, pulses or lentils are an integral part of a balanced meal plate. We all have grown up hearing about the benefits lentils provide to our health.
Now, in this blog let us learn about the miraculous benefits of Lentil Broth/lentil water, also known as dal ka pani - based on the principles of Ayurveda. Read on…
What Does Ayurveda Says About Lentil Broth?
Lentil water, also known as lentil broth, is a nutritious liquid residue obtained by boiling lentils in water. Besides being tasty and flavourful, lentil water offers various benefits for weight loss and overall health. One significant advantage of incorporating lentil water into your diet is its low-calorie content. As a result, it can help with weight management and promote healthy weight loss in a shorter time.
Additionally, lentil water is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness, ensuring that you're satisfied with smaller portions.
Ayurveda promotes lentil water as a great source of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and various vitamins and minerals, which are released into the water during the boiling process of lentils. Nutrients like protein are essential for muscle growth and repair, while iron is crucial for oxygen transportation in the body. The vitamins and minerals found in lentil water contribute to maintaining a strong immune system, keeping us energized, and supporting proper organ function.
Furthermore, lentil water contains antioxidants, which play a vital role in reducing inflammation and protecting the body against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals. These antioxidants contribute to several health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain types of cancer. Regular consumption of lentil water can also help regulate blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for individuals with diabetes or those looking to prevent the onset of the condition.
Identify the Types of Lentils and Their Exclusive Benefits
While every type of dal has its distinct color and size, all of them share one common trait – their high protein and fiber content, making them a powerhouse not only for weight loss but also for promoting good health and fighting diseases.
Identify below some of the common types of lentils whose broth can be used and also explore their exclusive benefits other than weight loss:
- MOONG Dal Broth: Rich in protein and low in fat content, it promotes good digestion and keeps digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, acidity, gas, etc., at bay. Promotes quick weight loss.
- GREEN MOONG DAL: Being very light, it is easy to digest. And helps to reduce extra cholesterol in the body.
- MASOOR DAL/RED LENTIL: With its antioxidant properties, it helps to boost immunity, promotes healthy skin, and also helps in preventing pimples and acne. Use it proportionately twice a week to avoid its associated side effects.
- CHANA DAL/BENGAL GRAM/ Brown Chana: Rich in dietary protein, iron, and folic acid, the channa broth helps to lower sugar levels, increase hemoglobin levels, promote bone development, and aid in strengthening the bones.
- URAD DAL: According to Ayurveda, proportionate consumption of urad dal can help to reduce the burning sensation in urine.
- TOOR DAL/PIGEON PEA: Known as the ‘queen of pulses’, toor dal contains nutrients like potassium, protein, vitamin B12, carbs, etc. help to keep you fuller and stop you from overeating.
- LOBIA/BLACK EYED PEAS: Low in calories, it is packed with plenty of amino acids, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and dietary fibers, it promotes healthy metabolism and physical fitness in the body.
- RED AND BLACK LENTILS: With the highest amounts of antioxidants and fiber, the broth of these lentils can help fight inflammation in the body.
Recognize the Ideal Time to Consume Lentil Broth: According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda suggests the consumption of lentil broth for dinner before the sun sets and there are several reasons behind this recommendation. Firstly, lentils are packed with essential nutrients, are light on the stomach, and do not burden the digestive system, making them an ideal choice for dinner. Secondly, lentils are considered to be a sattvic food in Ayurveda, which is known to promote mental clarity, calmness, and a positive state of mind. Therefore, consuming lentil broth for dinner can help maintain a balanced and peaceful mental state, allowing for a restful sleep.
In addition to the above, Ayurveda also puts great emphasis on the timing of meals. According to Ayurvedic principles, it is recommended to have dinner before the sun sets because it is believed that our body's natural energy, called "Agni," is closely linked to the sun's cycles. Therefore, our digestive system works at its strongest during the day and becomes weaker as the sun sets. So, prefer consuming dinner before sunset to allow your digestive fire to function optimally, enabling the body to efficiently break down and absorb nutrients from the meal.
If you choose to eat a late dinner, especially when the body's digestive ability is diminished, it can cause incomplete digestion, accumulation of toxins, and other digestive disturbances, thereby leading to the development of unwanted diseases.
Conclusion
Whether you are a weight-watcher, a health-conscious individual, or a food enthusiast, lentil water is a must-try recipe that can enhance both the taste and nutritional value of your meal. By incorporating lentil water into your daily routine, you can not only speed up your weight loss and enjoy its numerous disease-fighting benefits but also help to stay hydrated, which is essential to maintain optimal bodily functions and promote overall health.
Stay aware to stay high on your health and Ask a Nutritionist online in case you have any personalized queries.
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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