The last decade has completely changed the game for the Organic Food Industry. People have willingly become health conscious and are constantly looking for healthy and organic alternatives to incorporate into their regular diets or meal plans.
When it comes to healthy and nutritional food, we are fascinated by superfoods like seeds, and nuts, which are, of course, very healthy and nutritious and must be consumed.
But, what we often overlook or do not pay much attention to are the most common ingredients in the kitchen of our Indian household. One of them is the highly nutritious Pulses, that is a staple in almost all Indian households.
Pulses are the powerhouse of nourishment and nutrition and are included in every dish be it savory like a dal, in the form of a sweet halwa, or a simple salad. The inclusion of Pulses in our diet is very vital and does provide the right amount of nutrition if consumed adequately.
But do you wonder if the Pulses filled in your kitchen storage boxes are organic or not? There are multiple ways in which these Pulses are adulterated and can cause severe health issues. So, it is important to consume the Pulses that are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and should be, free from any harmful elements that may enter into our body.
What Are Pulses And Their Variety?
Pulses are the edible seeds belonging to the legume family. These include beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas, which are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and are easily available and infuse their presence in a variety of dishes worldwide. Pulses, apart from being highly nutritious, also offer a balanced array of essential nutrients. Pulses are dietary staples in many cultures across the globe, making them a valuable addition to every diet.
Nutritional Content Of Pulses:-
The nutritional content of Pulses is truly extraordinary and wholesome, let’s take a look at the nutritional profile that Pulses offer us:
Protein: Pulses provide the best version of plant-based proteins, consisting of 15-25% of protein by weight. Pulses are the best source of proteins for vegetarians and vegans.
Vitamins: Pulses are enriched with Vitamin B, Folate which boosts energy, supports brain functioning, and also promotes overall wellness.
Antioxidants: Pulses contain phytonutrients and antioxidants that help protect against inflammation and cellular damage.
Minerals: Pulses are loaded with iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. These minerals promote heart health, oxygen support, bone health, and overall well-being.
Complex Carbohydrates: Pulses have a low glycaemic index which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and keep providing long-lasting energy throughout the day.
Dietary Fiber: Pulses consist of high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber that helps in digestion, regulating blood sugar, and promoting heart health.
Low In Fat: Pulses are naturally low in fat, and the small amount they contain is mostly healthy unsaturated fats.
Here Are The Top 10 Health Benefits Of Pulses:
1.) Rich Source of Plant-Based Protein: Organic pulses are enriched with plant-based proteins, especially beneficial for vegetarians, vegans, or people who want to limit their meat consumption, and can fulfill their protein requirement by including pulses in their diet.
The protein found in pulses is generally beneficial for repairing the body tissues, it also supports your immune function and plays a major role in maintaining muscle mass. Chickpeas and Lentils, for instance, provide around 9-18 grams of protein per cooked cup, meeting a significant portion of your daily needs.
2.) Low Glycaemic Index (GI) for Stable Blood Sugar Levels: Consuming organic pulses is an ideal choice for individuals having Diabetes and are looking to manage blood sugar levels due to the low GI in them Pulses also prevent rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar.
Pulses like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans have a low GI, which means they release glucose into the bloodstream gradually. Consuming organic pulses provides the benefit in Type 2 Diabetes cases without the risk of pesticide exposure, which can interfere with hormonal balance, including insulin.
3.) Promotes Heart Health & Cholesterol Management: Organic pulses have low-fat content, high fiber, and rich antioxidant properties that together improve heart health. The soluble fiber in pulses helps to reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), one of the key risk factors for heart disease.
Apart from managing heart and cholesterol, consumption of these organic pulses may also help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, with the help of their magnesium and potassium content.
4.) Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Organic pulses consist of potent vitamins and minerals including iron, potassium, magnesium, folate, and B vitamins. Consuming this regularly also helps with enhanced energy production, better nerve functioning, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Organic pulses are a rich source of Folate, which is very important for pregnant women as it supports fetal development and prevents neural tube defects. The potassium and magnesium content in organic pulses also help regulate heart function and blood pressure.
5.) Loaded with Dietary Fiber: Pulses are loaded with dietary fiber that improves gut health and promotes digestive health. A diet with high fiber promotes regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
A cup of cooked black beans or split peas contains around 15-16 grams of fiber, which is nearly half the recommended daily intake of fiber.
6.) Aids in Weight Management: Due to their high protein and fiber content, which helps promote satiety and reduces overall calorie intake. The fiber in organic pulses slows down digestion which in turn allows you to stay fuller for a longer duration. Generally, diets rich in pulses can promote weight loss and help maintain a healthy weight in the long term.
Hence, the organic pulses are naturally free from additives or preservatives, they are a clean, low-calorie option for anyone looking to shed a few pounds or maintain a healthy body weight.
7.) Boosts Energy: Pulses consist of both complex carbohydrates and iron which helps boost energy levels and reduce general fatigue and weakness. The complex carbohydrates slowly break down into glucose and thus provide sustained energy throughout the day, while iron supports the generation of red blood cells that carry oxygen to muscles and the brain.
8.) Potent Antioxidants: Pulses are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins, which help protect your body’s cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. The antioxidants found in pulses, such as quercetin and kaempferol, have been studied for their ability to reduce the risk of certain cancers and slow the aging process.
9.) Improves Bone Health: Organic pulses like lentils and chickpeas are enriched with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of these minerals are essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Together all these minerals help build body bone density. Organic pulses are also high in zinc, which is important for bone repair and regeneration.
10.) Sustainable and Environment-Friendly: Organic pulses are cultivated using organic farming techniques and methods, without the use of any chemicals, or pesticides. Hence, organic pulses are sustainable and environment-friendly compared to non-organic food.
Organic farming practices also promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce the pollution of waterways from harmful chemicals. Pulses also require less water to grow compared to animal protein sources, making them an eco-friendly dietary choice.
Also Read: Organic Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits & Side Effects
Conclusion
Hence Organic Pulses are not just legumes to simply include in your daily diet but they have immense health benefits for your overall health and well-being.
At Health Fields, we take pride in offering you the best organic range of products including organic pulses that are cultivated organically and also are free from harsh chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Start incorporating a wide variety of organic pulses in all your meals and feel your body revitalize and get healthy. Explore our diverse range of organic pulses at Health Fields and transform your dishes into nutritious and wholesome meals!