Toor Dal(Pigeon pea)

          Toor Dal(Pigeon pea) is one of the important pulses in India. It is a shrub which is woody, 1 – 4 meters tall and is short-lived. The fruit is a flattened edible pod that has got many health benefits and nutritional values. The seeds are white or grayish in color and oval or round in shape. 

          Toor Dal is a native of Africa and later was cultivated in Madagascar. Now, this pulse is widely spread throughout the world especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Leaves are used as a vegetable, immature pods can be cooked, dried seeds can be added to stews and soups. The ripened seeds can be cooked as a pulse.

     Nutritional Value of Toor Dal

     The nutritional values per 100 grams of edible Toor Dal are as follows:

• Carbohydrates – 57.6%
• Minerals – 3.5%
• Fiber – 1.5%
• Fat – 1.7%
• Protein – 22.3%
• Moisture – 13.4%
• Iron – 5.8 mg
• Phosphorus – 304 mg
• Calcium – 73 mg
• Vitamin B Complex – traces
• Calories – 335

     Health Benefits 0f Toor Dal

          Toor Dal is a easily digestible food and has many natural health benefits. But, consuming it in excess may cause acidity and heart problems. It has got many curative properties. They include:

• Jaundice – The juice extracted from the leaves of the pulse, consumed with a little salt in it is very effective in treating jaundice. A daily consumption of 60 ml juice is beneficial.
• Baldness – The paste made from the pulse can be applied on the balded area. The bald patches subside on regular application.
• Inflammation – The leaves of Toor Dal plant or a poultice made from seeds treat the inflammatory conditions and reduce swelling.
• Checking Breast Milk Secretion – The leaves and pulse mashed into paste, warmed and applied on the breast is effective as it checks the secretion of milk.
• Piles – Make a paste of the leaves and mix it with the paste of neem leaves. Consume a teaspoon of the mixture daily for a week. It effectively treats piles and anal itching.