Chana Dal: A Nutritional Breakdown and Tasty Recipes
Introduction
Looking for a protein-packed dal for your diet? Chana dal is the ideal choice for you. It is a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans seeking protein alternatives for meat. The best part about consuming this dal is that it is versatile and can be used to create a wide array of mouthwatering recipes. Want to know the cherry on the cake? It has surprising health benefits that make it a great addition to your well-balanced diet. So, whether you're looking to boost your protein intake, follow a plant-based diet, or simply explore new flavours, chana dal has something to offer. Join us as we uncover the benefits of chana dal and delicious recipes that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
Nutritional Value of Chana Dal
Chana dal has been used since ancient times in Indian cuisines. It contains essential nutrients, which can be beneficial to your overall well being. Clueless about the nutritional value of chana dal? Here is the nutritional information for 100g of Chana Dal as per USDA:| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 356 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g |
| Added Sugars | 0.0 g |
| Dietary Fibre | 17.8 g |
| Total Fat | 6.67 g |
| Trans fat | 0.0 g |
| Sodium | 22 mg |
10 Chana Dal Health Benefits for a Healthier You
To fully embrace the nutritional benefits of chana dal, it's crucial to select the perfect brand. Aashirvaad Organic Chana Dal, a high-fibre and protein-rich option, is directly sourced from Indian farmers, making it an ideal choice to nourish your body. Let’s delve into the 10 surprising health benefits of eating chana dal.- Provides High Energy Chana dal contains complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest, providing a sustained release of energy. It makes a perfect food option for athletes, bodybuilders, or those engaging in high-intensity workouts.
- High Fibre Content Chana dal is an excellent source of fibre with one cup of cooked dal providing around 13 grams of dietary fibre. The high fibre content helps maintain satiety, preventing overeating and aiding in weight management.
- Rich Source of Protein Chana dal is a rich source of plant-based protein and hence it is among the preferred legumes for vegetarians and vegans. Proteins are macromolecules that are formed by amino acids and are critical for growth and repair of tissues, developing strong bones, boosting immunity, etc.
- Diverse Nutrients Chana dal is a rich source of protein, B-complex vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. The antioxidants in chana dal help protect against oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Brain Health Chana dal benefits the overall health of your brain as it contains folate and choline, which are essential for brain development, cognitive function, and memory.
- Good For Eyes Roasted chana dal benefits your eyes as it contains vitamin A, which plays a vital role in maintaining healthy eyesight, preventing night blindness and dry eye.
- Diabetic Friendly Chana dal has a low glycemic index, which means it releases glucose gradually into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. The high fiber content in chana dal also slows carbohydrate absorption, improving insulin response, and glycemic control.
- Good for Your Skin Chana dal benefits your skin in many ways as it is rich in zinc, a nutrient essential for collagen synthesis, aiding in skin healing and reducing the signs of ageing. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects also help prevent acne, inflammation, and promote skin elasticity.
- Aids Digestion Chana dal's high fibre content promotes a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation. Its prebiotic effects can also support beneficial gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption.
- May Help in Weight Loss Chana dal is a great food option for weight loss due to its high protein and fibre content. The combination of protein and fibre helps in promoting satiety and reducing appetite, making you feel fuller for longer periods. This can prevent overeating and help control calorie intake, thereby supporting weight management goals.
6 Chana Dal Delicious Yet Easy-to-Prepare Recipes
To fully enjoy the roasted chana dal benefits and add variety to your meals, here are some delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes.- Chana Dal Khichdi Cooked with aromatic spices, ghee, and water, the rice and soaked chana dal blend together harmoniously in a pressure cooker to create a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal.
- Chana Dal Tadka The cooked chana dal is flavoured with a tempering of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and sautéed onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and spices, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish.
- Chana Dal Fry After grinding soaked chana dal into a coarse paste with spices, the mixture is shaped into small fritters and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, making it a tasty and addictive snack or side dish.
- Chana Dal Masala The cooked chana dal is simmered in a rich, thick masala sauce made with onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and spices; it creates a flavorful and wholesome dish that pairs well with rice or roti.
- Chana Dal Chutney The roasted chana dal, combined with tangy tamarind, spicy green chili, and aromatic spices, is ground into a smooth and delectable chutney that adds a burst of flavour to any snack or meal.
- Chana Dal Dhokla The soaked chana dal is fermented, mixed with curd and green chili paste, steamed until soft and spongy, and finally tempered with cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, resulting in a light and fluffy dhokla that is perfect for breakfast or as a tea-time snack.
Try Out: Aashirvaad Organic Chana Dal
Conclusion
Chana dal is packed with nutrition and protein, making it an excellent addition to your diet, especially for vegetarians and vegans. With its versatile use and vast health benefits, there's no reason not to explore the world of chana dal recipes and introduce it into your home cooking.
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Try Out: Aashirvaad atta and Aashirvaad Salt
FAQ
Is it good to eat chana dal daily?
While chana dal is a healthy pulse to consume, it is not advisable to eat it every single day; rather, it is better when included in a balanced manner. Too much of one type of food can lead to nutrient imbalances.Is chana dal high in protein?
Yes, chana dal is high in protein. It is high in plant-based proteins and thus, is considered ideal for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.Is chana dal good for cholesterol?
Chana dal can be good for cholesterol control. It has some amount of soluble fibre that has been known to reduce LDL cholesterol. However, note that you need to make changes in your diet as well as your lifestyle to control cholesterol effectively.Is chana dal easy to digest?
Chana dal is thought to be a type of lentil that is easy to digest. But some people may have an upset stomach when they eat a lot of it or use it without proper preparation. Soaking and cooking chana dal well can help to improve its digestibility.