Weight loss: Which is the healthiest and lightest dal? | The Times of India (2024)

A warm bowl of rice with dal and a teaspoon of ghee makes a delicious meal. The easy to make dish has been vouched by nutritionists as healthy and perfect for all those trying to shed kilos. But what confuses people is the type of dals they should pick from the variety of options available. There are more than 10 types of dal, all taste different and have different health benefits. So, if you too are confused about which one you should go for, we are here to make the process easier for you.

Lentil or dal is a source of protein. Besides, they are also loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals. Generally, you must include all in your diet from time to time. But when we discuss the one extremely helpful for weight loss, then yellow moong dal or yellow split gram is the best choice. This dal or lentils is low in calories and light. It is easy for your stomach to digest and the risk of constipation is also low.

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One cup (200 grams) of yellow moong dal contains:

Calories: 212

Fat: 0.8 grams

Protein: 14.2 grams

Carbs: 38.7 grams

Fiber: 15.4 grams

This variety of moong dal is rich in folate, manganese, vitamin B1, phosphorus, iron, copper, potassium and zinc. All these trace minerals help to build your immune health and increase the efficiency of the organs.

Dal or lentil is a source of high-quality plant protein. Although it is an incomplete source of protein, when combined with rice it becomes a complete source of protein. Increasing protein consumption when trying to lose weight can help to build muscles and improve satiety. Protein is a macronutrient that can also require building muscles and getting lean. Being rich in fiber, this dal helps to keep you fuller for a longer time and increases satiety. It prevents constipation and helps your body to function well. Most importantly, it is easy to cook and is extremely light as compared to other dals like split Bengal gram and red lentils.

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Not only for weight loss, but this dal can also help you get healthy in numerous ways. The fiber present in this dal can help to prevent the deposition of bad cholesterol and promote good heart health. The trace minerals present in it can help to maintain the elasticity of the skin, keep it wrinkle-free and young. Furthermore, being a good source of iron, it can also help to increase the count of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). Even diabetes and high blood pressure patients can have yellow moong dal.

You can add yellow dal to your diet in multiple ways. Either you can make proper dal, which is made in every Indian household and can consume it with chapati or rice or can sprout it and add it to your salad. Moong dal chilla and tikki are some other recipes that you can try.