Puliyodharai Recipe

5 Popular Indian Lentils and Their Health Benefits

1. Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)

Masoor dal is a small, reddish-brown lentil that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Masoor dal is also low in fat and calories. One cup of cooked masoor dal contains about 18 grams of protein, 16 grams of fiber, and 2 milligrams of iron.

Health Benefits of Masoor Dal

• May help to lower cholesterol levels
• May help to reduce the risk of heart disease
• May help to improve blood sugar control
• May help to promote weight loss

2. Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas)

Toor dal is a medium-sized, yellow lentil that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Toor dal is also a good source of potassium, magnesium, and folate. One cup of cooked toor dal contains about 18 grams of protein, 16 grams of fiber, and 2 milligrams of iron.

Health Benefits of Toor Dal

• May help to lower blood pressure
• May help to reduce the risk of stroke
• May help to improve blood sugar control
• May help to promote weight loss

3. Moong Dal (Green Gram)

Moong dal is a small, green lentil that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Moong dal is also a good source of potassium, magnesium, and folate. One cup of cooked moong dal contains about 14 grams of protein, 16 grams of fiber, and 2 milligrams of iron.

Health Benefits of Moong Dal

• May help to lower cholesterol levels
• May help to reduce the risk of heart disease
• May help to improve blood sugar control
• May help to promote weight loss

4. Urad Dal (Black Gram)

Urad dal is a small, black lentil that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Urad dal is also a good source of potassium, magnesium, and folate. One cup of cooked urad dal contains about 18 grams of protein, 16 grams of fiber, and 2 milligrams of iron.

Health Benefits of Urad Dal

• May help to lower cholesterol levels
• May help to reduce the risk of heart disease
• May help to improve blood sugar control
• May help to promote weight loss

5. Chana Dal (Bengal Gram)

Chana dal is a medium-sized, yellow lentil that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Chana dal is also a good source of potassium, magnesium, and folate. One cup of cooked chana dal contains about 18 grams of protein, 16 grams of fiber, and 2 milligrams of iron.

Health Benefits of Chana Dal

• May help to lower cholesterol levels
• May help to reduce the risk of heart disease
• May help to improve blood sugar control
• May help to promote weight loss