If you are a typical Indian, then undoubtedly dal or lentils is something permanent in your meals and lifestyle. Isn't it? But do you have any idea that you are unknowingly inviting some serious issues in your body by consuming pulses regularly?
Well, everybody knows that dal contains a lot of protein, iron, and anti-carcinogenic properties that healthily fulfil the daily essential mineral requirements of our body. But lentils have a bad side too. There are some hidden facts about pulses that are unknown to many, and I am sure that these truths will astound you.
Does Everybody from 8-80 Need to be Aware of Dals?
Since dal is a vital dish in every Indian's plate, I feel it is essential to make you aware of its side-effects too. But don't get scared, as dal is not harmful to everybody. Only those who are undergoing or had undergone some medical issues would face the side effects of pulses.
To know what they are, let's peek into more details:
1. It Causes Flatulence
Are you someone suffering from gastric problems quite often? Well, then there is bad news for you. There is a wide range of dals that is strictly prohibited for gastric patients like you.
The list includes pigeon pea (red gram), kidney beans (rajma), black-eyed pea or cowpea (lobia), chana dal, tur dal, and chickpeas (Kabuli chana). These dals are prone to cause flatulence, i.e., excessive gas passing.
However, flatulence is quite common, so it doesn't mean that everybody should stop having these pulses. The problem begins when there is a foul smell in the gas you pass, and it happens very often.
2. Red Alert for the Allergic People
Are you someone allergic with many things? Then be aware, you can be allergic to pulses as well. Dals like chana dal, masoor dal, rajma, urad dal, moong dal, red gram can cause allergic symptoms.
Even a tiny amount of these food items can trigger symptoms like hives, swollen airways, or digestive problems. And it may happen because your body produces a considerable amount of antibodies that target the proteins of those dals.
3. Increases Uric Acid Level
If you are prone to uric acid or even if you are not, excessive consumption of certain pulses can alleviate the uric acid level in your body. Many people's bodies produce excess uric acid or fail to excrete it. And if it is unable to do so, then accumulated uric acid may form solid crystals in your joints known as gout.
Masoor dal, rajma, chana, urad dal are some of the pulses that fall under this category. Also, these pulses are highly prohibited for those suffering from gallstones.
4. A Big No for Kidney Patients
Do you have any kidney damage record? Well, then be aware, as lentils, especially Masoor dal, are highly dangerous for you.
Since Masoor dal is rich in purines, oxalate, potassium, and phosphorus, it isn't an ideal selection for people who have chronic kidney problems. It can lead to adverse effects like kidney ailments, flatulence, potassium toxicity, and other side effects that occur due to the large proportion of amino acids present in the dal.
5. It Causes Upset Stomach
Have you ever felt indigestion or an upset stomach after consuming any form of lentils? Well, that's the sound of the ringing bell to alert you.
Indigestion from lentils can happen to anybody, and its occurrence is not bound to any age limit. Also, if you are consuming dal in your dinner, then stop it immediately, as we barely can digest protein-rich foods at night. Due to their higher fibre content, lentils can result in bloating, and the sugar present in it can cause abnormal gas production.
End Words
However, the most important reason why we, dietitian, don't allow our clients to intake dal is the presence of herbicides in it. As claimed by the FSSAI laboratory report, these Indian dals contain a considerable amount of Glyphosate, which is a weed killer mainly used by farmers to get rid of weeds and rodents. And it is not at all suitable for humans and can cause renal failure. That is why we even recommend avoiding consumption of dal regularly.
So, if you intend to lead a healthy lifestyle in this COVID-19 pandemic situation, you can have dal in limited amounts along with other healthy foods and stay fit and happy.
