What Type of Dal Is Good For Diabetes? Benefits, GI, Risks & More!
Dal or pulses are a staple food in India and people consume them at least once a day.
They are a group of 12 crops including beans, soybeans, peas, lupins, peanuts, lentils, etc. that can benefit your overall health. But which dal is good for diabetes? Is masoor dal or chana dal good for diabetes will be answered in this article.
Advantages of Dal (Pulses) For Diabetes
- Pulses are rich in dietary fiber, protein, dietary minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for a person who has diabetes.
- Different pulses have different glycemic indexes. These levels are usually low, keeping the blood glucose levels of the human body under control.
- Pulses also help reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart diseases.
Types of Dal That Are Good For Diabetes
- The glycemic index of Chana Dal is 8, and it is rich in proteins and folic acid that help in the formation of red blood cells.
- Kidney beans (Rajma) have a glycemic index of 19, and their consumption helps control the blood sugar levels and cholesterol in the body. The high amount of fiber in rajma takes longer than usual to digest, and thus, the blood sugar levels in the body rise slowly.
- Chickpeas have a glycemic index of 33 and have protein and fiber that manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It has polyunsaturated fats such as omega 3 fatty acids, and it reduces LDL cholesterol levels.
- Diabetic patients can consume Masoor dal for weight loss and to control diabetes. It has a glycemic index of 25 and is rich in proteins and fiber.
- The glycemic index of Moong Dal is 38. Also, the high levels of fiber, protein, and folate in moong dal allow controlling the blood glucose levels in the body.
- Urad Dal has a glycemic index of 43. Its high fiber and protein content helps manage blood glucose and the number of nutrients absorbed by the digestive tract.
Best Time To Consume Dal For Diabetes
A diabetic person must consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Dieticians have suggested that a diabetic patient must consume half a cup of pulses per day with other vegetables or animal protein during lunch.
Risks of Over Consuming Dal For Diabetes
Too much consumption of pulses can cause gastritis and cramping in the body as high amounts of fibers make it hard to break down and digest.
Find out how grains like barley, wheat, and quinoa can benefit diabetes management. Learn which grains and pulses support healthy blood sugar levels
Other Health Benefits of Dal
- Most pulses have folic acid that helps the body generate new red blood cells preventing anemia. The folic acid also makes the roots of the hair strong and makes the skin clear.
- The B-complex vitamins in pulses help prevent infections and support cell health and the growth of RBCs.
- Pulses are rich in antioxidants, especially phytoestrogens, that help prevent hormone-related cancers like breast and prostate cancer.
- Pulses also help in weight loss, and the high fiber in them helps release glucose in the bloodstream.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- Dal or pulses are a staple food in India.
- Pulses are rich in dietary fiber, protein, dietary minerals, and several vitamins that are beneficial for a person suffering from diabetes.
- Dals like Chana Dal (GI = 8), Kidney beans or rajma (GI = 19), Chickpeas (GI = 33), Masoor Dal (GI = 25), Moong Dal or green gram (GI = 38), and Urad Dal (GI = 43) are high in fiber and protein content and helps manage diabetes.
- Pulses help generate new RBCs preventing anemia, make the roots of the hair strong and the skin clearer, prevent infections and hormone-related cancers, support cell health and growth of RBCs, and help in weight loss.
- You can prepare several healthy recipes with different dals like dal pancakes, salads, hummus, and dal parathas.
Common FAQs
Is Dal (Pulses) Good For Diabetics?
Dal (pulses) is rich in dietary fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for a person suffering from diabetes. Also, the low glycemic index of dal helps control the blood glucose levels in the human body.
Can Diabetics Eat Toor Dal?
Toor dal has a low glycemic index. It is rich in fiber and protein which helps promote weight loss, reduces cholesterol levels, and regulates Diabetes.
Is Yellow Moong Dal Good For Diabetes?
Yellow moong dal provides instant energy to the body and is rich in fiber. It is also a good source of protein and folate which makes it easier to digest and control diabetes.
Is Masoor Dal Good For Diabetic Patients?
Masoor dal has a low glycemic index of 25 and hence it breaks down slowly and the blood glucose levels stay maintained in the body.
Is Bhuna Chana Good For Diabetics?
The high fiber content in bhuna chana makes it ideal for a diabetic patient as the fiber controls the blood sugar levels in the body.
Is White Chana Good For Diabetes?
White chana is rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals which helps control diabetes.
Is White Urad Dal Good For Diabetes?
Urad dal has a high amount of fiber and helps control the number of nutrients that are absorbed by the digestive tract and hence is suitable to be consumed by a diabetic patient.
