Health & Fitness
Dhals are rich in mirco-nutrient
Micro nutrients are in the news with some Physicians such as Dr Fuhrman blaming the deficiency of these in the American diet to be the main cause of the increasing obesity in this country. Dhals are rich in micro nutrients (Iron, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Chromium and others) as is shown in the adjoining figure (derived from data on Cornell Website). Dhals are a popular source of protein among vegans and vegetarians. Blackgram which is used in Idlis is packed with them. Four cups of brown rice gives the same amount of micros as in one cup of black gram.
Here is a short list of symptoms that can arise from a diet lacking micro nutrients.
- Iron - tiredness and a weakened immune system
- Chromium - cold sweats, frequent hunger and a constant desire to eat and drink
- Copper - digestive problems, weakness in the body and respiration issues
- Zinc - hair loss and fatigue, and wounds taking longer to heal
- Manganese - restless leg syndrome , sleep disorders, irritability, low blood pressure, muscle spasm and weakness