Let us know the Remarkable Benefits of Horse Gram:
Horse gram, often misconceived as a staple for horses alone, holds a wealth of benefits for human consumption. In the past, it was a dietary staple used to fortify horses and keep them robust. However, as time passed, we lost sight of its nutritional value amidst our culinary choices. Many of us opt for foods that, though flavorful, lack essential nutrients. To nourish our bodies with vitality and strength, horse gram stands as a superlative option. Today, we’ll delve into the remarkable advantages of incorporating horse gram into your diet.
Nutritional Profile: Horse gram is a nutritional powerhouse. A mere 100 grams of horse gram contains 329 calories, 57 grams of carbohydrates, and an impressive 22 grams of protein, equivalent to 100 grams of mutton. With just 0.6 grams of fat, it maintains a low-fat content while offering 8 grams of fiber, a valuable macronutrient. Horse gram can be sprouted, akin to green gram and Bengal gram, or simply boiled. It is a common choice for preparing wholesome soups. Now, let’s explore its health benefits in detail.
1. Low Digestible Starch:
Among the 57 grams of carbohydrates in horse gram, a substantial 43 grams are in the form of non-digestible starch. This means that these 43 grams of carbohydrates remain undigested in the stomach and are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Excessive carbohydrate intake can lead to obesity and various ailments, including cholesterol and diabetes. By consuming sprouted horse gram, you gain essential nutrients and protein without the added carbohydrates. This is a key advantage of incorporating horse gram into your diet.
2. Regulation of Insulin Production:
Horse gram contains a chemical compound known as pyroglutamic glutamine, which stimulates the production of insulin by beta cells in the pancreas. This is particularly beneficial, as insufficient insulin production can lead to diabetes. For individuals with diabetes, the reliance on external insulin injections becomes essential. Hence, horse gram offers an advantage in regulating insulin levels.
3. Reduction of Insulin Resistance:
Horse gram contains chemical compounds called Dolichin A and Dolichin B, which effectively reduce insulin resistance in the body. Insulin resistance is commonly associated with conditions like obesity and PCOD, often leading to diabetes due to elevated blood sugar levels. By reducing insulin resistance, horse gram can play a pivotal role in managing these conditions.
4. Support for Intestinal Bacteria:
The intestines house beneficial bacteria, often referred to as bacterial flora or probiotics. Horse gram aids these helpful bacteria in producing essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin K. A flourishing bacterial flora enhances nutrient absorption in the body. As these bacteria consume horse gram in the intestines, they produce butyrate, a compound known to prevent intestinal cancer.
5. Enhancement of Energy Production:
Horse gram contains a chemical compound called inulin. This compound is fermented by beneficial gut bacteria, leading to the production of scyllo inositol. Scyllo inositol stimulates mitochondria within cells to generate more energy. By aiding in the activation of mitochondria, horse gram significantly boosts energy production in the body.
6. Brain Health:
Inulin in horse gram is also vital for brain health. The fermentation process by gut bacteria releases chemical compounds that combat free radicals within brain cells, ensuring their health and activity. This can help prevent age-related cognitive issues, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties:
Horse gram contains chemical compounds like nitric oxide, campesterol, beta-sitosterol, and stigma-sterol, all of which act as potent antioxidants. These compounds effectively combat inflammation in the body and promote cellular health.
8. Blood Pressure Regulation:
The protein content in horse gram regulates an enzyme called ACE in the body, contributing to blood pressure control. Its high fiber and low carbohydrate content help reduce triglycerides, as carbohydrates are not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Moreover, horse gram has been shown to aid in managing LDL cholesterol.
9. Cancer Prevention:
A chemical compound called BB-ACE found in horse gram helps prevent obesity-related cancers. It is particularly effective in reducing the risk of cancer development due to obesity.
10. Weight Management:
Given its 43% non-digestible starch content, horse gram is a valuable ally in managing weight. Its consumption provides essential nutrients without the burden of added carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for weight control.
Furthermore, horse gram exhibits potential in preventing autoimmune disorders. These scientifically substantiated benefits of horse gram were consolidated in 2015 by Banaras Hindu University of Varanasi through a comprehensive analysis of 43 research papers.
Incorporate sprouted horse gram, along with other sprouts, into your breakfast routine. Its exceptional advantages make it a valuable addition to your diet.