Friday, November 25, 2011

Horse Gram





Eating a healthy diet is getting more popular these days specially with the rise in obesity. The USDA1 guidelines to a healthy diet suggests whole
grains, beans or legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, protein, preferably skim or low fat. One of the best ways to get fiber into our diet is to eat whole grains. Fiber is of two types, soluble and insoluble. Whole grains have soluble fiber and is extremely useful in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. One of the legumes that is not very well known but is quite nutritious is the Horse Gram. It belongs to the family of Legumes and has a high protein content. Horse gram was considered Horse fodder and its full potential as part of the human diet has not been exploited completely. It is mostly grown in Asia and quite common on the Indian menu. Horse gram is high in protein and iron which makes it a wholesome food that should be added to our diet on a regular basis.

What are the Benefits of Horse gram?

Horse gram is known by different names all over the world, it is called, Kollu in South India, Cowpea in English, Kulti in Hindi, Ulavalu in Telugu ,Habbul Kulth in Arabic, Kulatha Kalai in Sanskrit, Bian Dou in Chinese, Bonnavista Bean and also Hyacinth Bean. The health benefits of horse gram are being recognized light in the western world recently but has been known for its medicinal purposes by Indian Ayurvedic Vaidyas since centuries.
It is known for its excellent diuretic and astringent .
Ayurveda uses horse gram to treat a variety of conditions ranging from rheumatism to worm removal, treating Conjuctivitis and piles.
Another great benefit of horse gram is its use in extracting phlegm. When suffering with cough, phlegm is a hard thing to get rid of. Taking horse gram water can eliminate the phlegm and give relief.
Taking horse gram powder in a little bit of water regularly, helps in treating and controlling skin rashesand boils.
Horse gram liquid is also used to regulate fever.
It has phenols which helps in reducing weight
Horse gram also helps in lowering cholesterol levels
Lipids
extracted from horse gram have shown to help with peptic ulcer in an study related rats.
Helps in reducing flatulence  
Is Horse gram helpful in treating menstrual problems?

Horse gram is considered to have curative properties in helping with menstruation problems. Specially women with irregular periods and excess bleeding can benefit by taking horse gram water regularly or adding horse gram soup or sprouts to your daily diet. It is recommended in stopping heavy bleeding after pregnancy. In Ayurvedic medicine, women are recommended to take 1 teaspoon of horse gram powder every morning.

Does Horse gram help in eliminating Kidney Stones?


Kidney stones are a painful condition and caused due to deposits of Oxalates. Taking a diet with low amounts of calcium and phosphorus is recommended if you have kidney stones. Horse gram is recommended for treating kidney stones in India. Soak about 4 teaspoons of Horse gram in approximately 1.5 cups of water overnight and drink the water in the water on an empty stomach the next morning. You can add the same amount of water to the horse gram again and let it soak and can drink the water in the afternoon and repeat this and drink in the evening as well. Taking horse gram water this way for 2-3 months will help in completely eliminating the kidney stones. The horse gram water has diuretic properties and dissolves the kidney stones. Diuretics increase the elimination of water from the body.


Are there any harmful side effects to eating Horse gram?

Horse gram can cause an excess of bile production
It should not be eaten by pregnant women.
People suffering with tuberculosis and plethora should avoid horse gram

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