Insulin Resistance
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology have found that unprocessed, raw horse gram seeds have the ability to reduce high blood sugar following a meal, by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and reducing insulin resistance by inhibiting protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1β. This makes it an extra diabetic-friendly food.
Full of Antioxidants
Horse gram seeds are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins – the major antioxidants present in fruits that makes them so healthy. In an article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers from the Department of Grain Science and Technology at the Central Food Technological Research Institute at Mysuru found abundant antioxidant activity in horse gram and ferrous ion-chelating potency.
Helps Urinary Discharge
In Ayurveda, horse gram is a well-known diuretic and is reputed to be effective in increasing urine flow. For this purpose, horse gram can soup can be consumed twice a day for four weeks to show visible results.
Prevents Kidney Stones
Due to its diuretic properties, horse gram is very effective in assisting in the removal of kidney stones. In addition, making horse gram a part of your regular diet will aid in avoiding the formation of stones in the kidneys, as horse gram contains certain compounds that make these stones soluble.
Heals Ulcers
Lipids in horse gram have been shown to have anti-ulcer activity due to the presence of phytosterol esters. Researchers from the Department of Surgery at Royal Free and University College Medical School, London found that horse gram is highly beneficial in healing peptic and mouth ulcers.
Asthma Relief
A common Ayurvedic prescription for asthmatic patients is to consume the paste of boiled horse gram and pepper, which aids in reducing cough, cold and congestion. Although not a cure for asthma, it has been known to provide immediate relief and help manage breathing problems.
Keeps Heart Disease at Bay
According to established medical science, oxidative damage caused by free radicals plays a causative role in ageing and leads to diseases including several heart diseases. However, the human body is capable of minimizing this damage with the right nutrients and antioxidants. Raw horse gram is particularly rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins, the major antioxidants. It is also low in fat and high in carbohydrate content, making it healthier for the heart.
Is Horse Gram Good for Weight Loss?
Eating plenty of horse gram can actually help in the management of obesity as it has the ability to attack fatty tissue, thanks to its high phenol content. The effectiveness of horse gram is so well known in Tamil tradition that there is a Tamil saying, “Ellachavanukku Ella Kudu, Kozhuthavanakku Kolla Kudu,” which translates to, “For a frail person, sesame seeds and for an obese person, horse gram.”
Keeps You Warm in Winter
Horse gram – especially in the form of soup – has the ability to generate heat and energy in the system and therefore keeps you warm on a cold winter day.
Good for the Bones
Horse gram is high in iron, calcium, and protein. In fact, horse gram has the highest calcium content among pulses and is one of the richest vegetarian sources of protein.
Controls Menstrual Problems
Horse gram contains iron in high levels, which helps to cure irregular menstrual cycles. It also increases your blood hemoglobin due to its high iron content.
In Sri Lanka this super food powder is added to daily food so that it is easily ingested. Please check our recipe for a soup made of this super grain