Horse gram, also known as Kollu or Kulthi, is a small, dark-brown bean available in many parts of the world. It is known for its multiple health benefits and its use in traditional medicines. Horse gram is an ancient legume that has been used for centuries in India as part of Ayurvedic treatments. It is also commonly consumed as a food ingredient due to its high protein content and low-fat content.
Benefits of Horse Gram
It has a unique flavor and texture, and is a highly nutritious, low-calorie food. This makes it an ideal food choice for those looking for ways to add variety to their diets while still meeting their nutritional needs.
First of all, horse gram is an excellent source of plant-based protein. It contains up to 30% protein, making it a great choice for vegans and vegetarians looking to get enough protein in their diets. It is especially beneficial for those who do not consume enough other plant-based proteins, such as beans, lentils, and nuts.
Horse gram is also a good source of dietary fiber. It contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help to improve digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce cholesterol levels. It is also high in iron, making it beneficial for those with iron deficiencies.
Horse gram also contains a range of B vitamins, which are essential for healthy metabolism and energy production. B vitamins are also important for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, horse gram contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth.
Horse gram is also a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to cells and lead to a range of chronic illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
History of Horse Gram
The history of horse gram can be traced back to the Vedic period in India. It was mentioned in early Vedic writings as a food of strength and nutrition, and it was also used as a medicinal plant. In the ancient Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda, it is stated that the consumption of horse gram helps to ward off sickness and increase strength.
Horse gram has a long history of use in India and other parts of South Asia. It is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. It was used as a common food for humans, as well as to feed horses and other livestock. Its use as a medicinal plant is also well documented, with references to its use for treating eye diseases, skin diseases, fever and indigestion.
In addition to its traditional uses, horse gram has been used in modern times to make a variety of food products, such as flour, dal, and papads. It is also used as a livestock feed, and it is popular in many parts of India as a nutritious and cheap source of protein.
Horse gram has been gaining popularity in recent years as a health food. Due to its high protein content, it is a great source of nutrition, and it can help to regulate blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and promote weight loss. It is also an excellent source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.
Due to its health benefits, horse gram has become a popular ingredient in many health products, such as energy bars, granola, and protein shakes. It is also increasingly being used in the nutrition industry to make vegan and vegetarian food products, such as plant-based burgers and plant-based protein powders.
Cooking with Horse Gram
Horse gram can be used in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is used to make a type of soup called kollu rasam. This soup is very popular in southern India and is known for its unique flavor and nutritive value. It is made with horse gram, tamarind, black pepper, and cumin and is often enjoyed as a side dish with other Indian dishes.
In addition to making soup, horse gram can also be used for a variety of other recipes. It can be sprouted and added to salads and sandwiches, or it can be boiled and added to curries and other savory dishes. It can also be roasted and then ground into a flour which can be used to make flatbreads, dumplings, and other dishes.
In addition to having a plethora of benefits, horse gram is also easy to cook with. It can be soaked overnight in water to soften it and then boiled until it is tender. It can also be combined with other ingredients and cooked in a pressure cooker to save time.
To get the most out of horse gram, it is important to use it fresh or dry. Fresh horse gram is softer and more easily cooked, while dry horse gram is more chewy and has a deeper flavor. The best way to store horse gram is to keep it in an air-tight container away from direct sunlight.
Clinical Trials on Horse Gram
The use of horse gram (macrotyloma uniflorum) for medicinal purposes has been recorded in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine for centuries. Clinical trials on this legume have recently shown promising results for the treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, and hypertension. Here, we discuss the evidence from recent clinical trials for the potential therapeutic benefits of horse gram.
One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of horse gram on glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received 15 grams of horse gram powder daily for 12 weeks, or the placebo group, which received an equal amount of wheat flour. The results of the trial showed that, compared to the placebo group, the intervention group had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels, lower postprandial glucose levels, and improved insulin sensitivity.
Another double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of horse gram on body weight and body composition in obese adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received 15 grams of horse gram powder daily for 12 weeks, or the placebo group, which received an equal amount of wheat flour. The results of the trial showed that the intervention group had significantly lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass, compared to the placebo group.
In addition, several studies have explored the potential anti-cancer effects of horse gram. A laboratory study found that an extract of horse gram had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the growth of human cancer cells. Other laboratory studies have shown that certain compounds in horse gram can induce cell death in certain cancer cell lines.
Horse gram has also been found to have antimicrobial and anti-hypertensive potential. In a laboratory study, an extract of horse gram was found to have antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Another laboratory study found that horse gram extract had a dose-dependent hypotensive effect on rats.