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Toor Dal
Toor Dal
Toor dal, also known as Arhar dal, is an important legume crop which is mainly used for its edible seeds. It is a rich source of various nutrients including proteins, complex carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.
Apart from its nutritional value, it also has many health benefits. It is useful in diabetes as it helps to lower blood glucose levels due to the presence of antioxidants. It aids in weight loss by lowering the cholesterol levels. According to Ayurveda, it is Grahi (absorbent) in nature due to which it helps to manage diarrhea.
Toor dal is beneficial in wounding healing due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It also helps in managing skin infections as it has antimicrobial properties.
Consumption of Toor Dal is generally considered safe. However, it might cause cause allergies in some individuals[1][2][13-15].
Apart from its nutritional value, it also has many health benefits. It is useful in diabetes as it helps to lower blood glucose levels due to the presence of antioxidants. It aids in weight loss by lowering the cholesterol levels. According to Ayurveda, it is Grahi (absorbent) in nature due to which it helps to manage diarrhea.
Toor dal is beneficial in wounding healing due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It also helps in managing skin infections as it has antimicrobial properties.
Consumption of Toor Dal is generally considered safe. However, it might cause cause allergies in some individuals[1][2][13-15].
What are the synonyms of Toor Dal?
Red gram, Tuver, Toor, Pigeon pea, Arhar, Ruharmah, Togari, Thuvara, Thuvarai, Tuvarai, Adagi Tuvari, Adhaki, Kakshi
What is the source of Toor Dal?
Plant Based
Benefits of Toor Dal
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It occurs mainly due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Toor dal soup helps to control the symptoms of diarrhea and makes the stool thick due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Tip
1. Cook the Toor dal by adding more quantity of water.
2. When properly cooked, strain the dal and take out the liquid.
3. Add a pinch of salt to it.
4. Take it once or twice a day as a remedy for diarrhea.
Weight loss
Toor dal, when taken regularly in the diet, helps in managing weight because of its Laghu (light) nature. It also helps to remove Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) from the body which is the main cause of weight gain.
Tip
1. Take 1/4 cup Toor dal or as per your requirement.
2. Soak it in water for 1-2 hours.
3. Cook it in a pressure cooker for 10 minutes.
4. Add turmeric and salt as per your taste.
5. Have it with roti for lunch or dinner.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol is mainly caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This results in the accumulation of bad cholesterol as well as a blockage in the blood vessels. Toor dal helps manage cholesterol levels by improving Agni (digestive fire). It also helps to remove Ama and cleans the clogged vessels. Thus, controlling the high cholesterol levels.
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It occurs mainly due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Toor dal soup helps to control the symptoms of diarrhea and makes the stool thick due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Tip
1. Cook the Toor dal by adding more quantity of water.
2. When properly cooked, strain the dal and take out the liquid.
3. Add a pinch of salt to it.
4. Take it once or twice a day as a remedy for diarrhea.
Weight loss
Toor dal, when taken regularly in the diet, helps in managing weight because of its Laghu (light) nature. It also helps to remove Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) from the body which is the main cause of weight gain.
Tip
1. Take 1/4 cup Toor dal or as per your requirement.
2. Soak it in water for 1-2 hours.
3. Cook it in a pressure cooker for 10 minutes.
4. Add turmeric and salt as per your taste.
5. Have it with roti for lunch or dinner.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol is mainly caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This results in the accumulation of bad cholesterol as well as a blockage in the blood vessels. Toor dal helps manage cholesterol levels by improving Agni (digestive fire). It also helps to remove Ama and cleans the clogged vessels. Thus, controlling the high cholesterol levels.
How to use Toor Dal
1. Toor Dal
a. Soak ¼-½ cup of Toor dal for 1 hour.
b. Put the dal in a pressure cooker and add 3 cups of water to it.
c. Add turmeric and salt as per your taste.
2. Toor Dal Soup (Dal ka pani)
a. Cook the Toor dal with more quantity of water.
b. When properly cooked, strain the dal and take out the liquid.
c. Add a pinch of salt to it and take it as the best source of nutrients in case of jaundice and diarrhea.
a. Soak ¼-½ cup of Toor dal for 1 hour.
b. Put the dal in a pressure cooker and add 3 cups of water to it.
c. Add turmeric and salt as per your taste.
2. Toor Dal Soup (Dal ka pani)
a. Cook the Toor dal with more quantity of water.
b. When properly cooked, strain the dal and take out the liquid.
c. Add a pinch of salt to it and take it as the best source of nutrients in case of jaundice and diarrhea.
Benefits of Toor Dal
FAQs about Toor Dal benefits
Wound healing
Toor dal leaves help in wound healing, decreasing the swelling and bringing back the normal texture of the skin. Applying a paste of Toor dal leaves along with coconut oil on the wound helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip
1. Take a few fresh leaves of Toor dal.
2. Make a paste with water or honey.
3. Apply this paste on the affected area once a day for quick wound healing.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is a condition of painful swelling inside the mouth. It is referred to as Mukhapaka in Ayurveda. Mukhapaka involves all the three doshas (mainly Pitta) and can also lead to bleeding in some cases. Chewing fresh leaves of Toor dal improves the healing process and reduce inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip
1. Take a few fresh leaves of Toor dal.
2. Wash them and chew once or twice a day for quick healing of stomatitis.
Toor dal leaves help in wound healing, decreasing the swelling and bringing back the normal texture of the skin. Applying a paste of Toor dal leaves along with coconut oil on the wound helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip
1. Take a few fresh leaves of Toor dal.
2. Make a paste with water or honey.
3. Apply this paste on the affected area once a day for quick wound healing.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is a condition of painful swelling inside the mouth. It is referred to as Mukhapaka in Ayurveda. Mukhapaka involves all the three doshas (mainly Pitta) and can also lead to bleeding in some cases. Chewing fresh leaves of Toor dal improves the healing process and reduce inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip
1. Take a few fresh leaves of Toor dal.
2. Wash them and chew once or twice a day for quick healing of stomatitis.
How to use Toor Dal
1. Toor Dal Paste
a. For Baldness
i. Soak the Toor dal for 2 hours.
ii. Crush the dal in a pestle mortar to form a fine paste.
iii. Apply the paste evenly on bald patches.
iv. Leave it for 1 hour.
v. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
vi. Use this remedy twice a week to control baldness.
b. For Swelling
i. Soak the Toor dal for 2 hours.
ii. Crush the dal in a pestle mortar to form a fine paste.
iii. Apply the paste evenly on the affected area.
iv. Use the paste twice a day to control swelling.
2. Toor Dal Leaves
i. Take a few fresh leaves of Toor dal.
ii. Make a paste with water or honey.
iii. Apply on the affected area once a day for quick wound healing.
a. For Baldness
i. Soak the Toor dal for 2 hours.
ii. Crush the dal in a pestle mortar to form a fine paste.
iii. Apply the paste evenly on bald patches.
iv. Leave it for 1 hour.
v. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
vi. Use this remedy twice a week to control baldness.
b. For Swelling
i. Soak the Toor dal for 2 hours.
ii. Crush the dal in a pestle mortar to form a fine paste.
iii. Apply the paste evenly on the affected area.
iv. Use the paste twice a day to control swelling.
2. Toor Dal Leaves
i. Take a few fresh leaves of Toor dal.
ii. Make a paste with water or honey.
iii. Apply on the affected area once a day for quick wound healing.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor dal needs to be soaked for 20 minutes. Soaking Toor dal prior to cooking decreases the cooking time and enhances the taste of the dal.
Modern Science View
Toor dal or pigeon pea is a rich source of proteins and carbohydrates both in fresh and dried form[14]. It can also be used by making flour out of it. Toor dal flour can be a suitable ingredient for food products like bread, pasta, and nutritional bars which can make it a gluten-free substitute for cereals[14].
Modern Science View
Toor dal is an excellent source of inexpensive plant-based protein[19]. Toor dal is commonly used in the sambar or with cooked vegetables or cooked with green chilies salt and lime.
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor dal is good for diabetes. It might help to lower blood glucose levels by increasing the production of insulin. This is due to the presence of certain constituents which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[1][16].
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor Dal is good for cholesterol. It might help to lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This reduces the risk of developing cholesterol-related complications[4][5].
Modern Science View
Toor dal might help in providing support in cancer management as it contains certain constituents (likes cajanol) which have antiproliferative properties. It prevents growth as well as the spread of cancer cells and can be used as a supportive method in cancer management[2][17].
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor dal might help in weight loss as it has antioxidant properties. It helps to lower lipid levels in the body and helps manage weight[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor dal might help lower uric acid levels. It contains certain constituents (likes anthocyanins) which might be responsible for decreasing uric acid levels. This s reduction in uric acid in the body may prevent gout as well as inflammation related to arthritis[9].
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor dal leaves juice is good for constipation as it has a laxative property. It helps to loosen the stool and promotes easy passage of stools[10].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Toor dal in acidity.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Toor dal in gastritis.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Toor dal is good for gastritis. It helps to improve digestion due to its Laghu (light) nature.
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor dal leaves might help in stomatitis due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains certain constituents which helps in reducing the inflammation related stomatitis[8][11].
Modern Science View
Yes, diabetics can have Tool dal. Lentils usually have a low glycemic index (GI). Glycemic index is a value assigned to foods based on how slowly or how quickly those foods cause increases in blood glucose levels[19]. Diabetes patients are advised to have food which contains low GI. The slow and steady release of glucose in low-glycemic foods including Toor dal helps maintain good glucose control.
Modern Science View
Toor dal in raw form may not be very easy to digest. Whereas, soaked, cooked or sprouted pigeon pea or Toor dal due to the shedding of chemicals while processing may provide better health benefits and become easy to digest.
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, Toor dal is considered suitable for many health-related conditions like poor digestion. It is Laghu (light to digest) in nature which helps in improving digestive problems. Pre-soaking Masoor dal can add to a healthy digestion process.
Modern Science View
Sugar content present in lentils may contribute to gas and bloating. Soaking the lentils before cooking and thoroughly washing them before use can help with digestion and gas-related problems.
Ayurvedic View
Generally, Toor dal doesn’t cause gas when cooked properly as it is Laghu (light to digest) in nature which helps to digest quickly and reduce the chances of gas formation.
Modern Science View
Yes, raw Toor dal should be soaked before cooking. It helps to soften them and also reduces the cooking time. Aim to soak the Toor dal for at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Toor dal should be soaked before cooking because after soaking it becomes easy to cook and helps to keep digestion better because it becomes light to digest
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor dal can be used on hair as it is a rich source of protein , minerals and vitamins that improve the quality of hair and promotes hair growth[12].
Ayurvedic View
Toor dal helps to control hair fall caused by excessive oiliness along with dandruff on the scalp. It has Ruksha (dry) property which helps to manage excessive oiliness and problems related to it.
Tip
Apply a paste of soaked Toor dal or Toor dal leaves along with rose water on the scalp to control hair fall.
Tip
Apply a paste of soaked Toor dal or Toor dal leaves along with rose water on the scalp to control hair fall.
Modern Science View
Yes, Toor dal might help in the process of wound healing by promoting wound contraction and closure. It contains certain antioxidants which prevent further cell damage at wound site caused by free radicals. It also prevents infections in the wound due to its antimicrobial property[6][7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Toor dal leaves can help in quick healing of a wound. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also helps in reducing the swelling and bringing back the normal texture of the skin.
References
- Bakhru HK.Foods That Heal The Natural Remedies For Good Health.Orient Paperbacks.1990.
- Pal D, Mishra P, Sachan N.Biological activities and medicinal properties of Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2011;2(4):207–214.
- Dai FJ, Hsu WH, Huang JJ et al. Effect of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) on high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in hamsters.Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 Mar;53:384-91.
- Chang HY, Wu JR, Gao WY et al. The Cholesterol-Modulating Effect of Methanol Extract of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) Leaves on Regulating LDLR and PCSK9 Expression in HepG2 Cells. Molecules. 2019 Jan 30;24(3). pii: E493.
- Ariviani S , Affandi DR , Listyaningsih E et al. The potential of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) beverage as an anti-diabetic functional drink. IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 2018; 102 012054.
- Motiwala MN, Gupta RA, Dumore NG et al. In vivo wound healing activity of Cajanus cajan on burn wound model in mice by regulating antioxidant and inflammatory mediators. Pharmaceutical Summit and Expo. 2015.
- Patil BS, MastiholimathVS. Wound healing activity of hydrogel obtained from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seed husk. JCHPS. 2011;4: 108-110.
- Mahitha B, Archana P, Ebrahimzadeh MH et al. In vitro Antioxidant and Pharmacognostic Studies of Leaf Extracts of Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2015 Mar-Apr;77(2):170-7.
- Agbafor K, Nwaka A, Dasofunjo K et al . CREATININE, UREA AND URIC ACID LEVELS IN ALBINO RATS TREATED WITH LEAF EXTRACT OF CANJANUS CAJAN (PIGEON PEA). Journal of Applied Sciences. 2017:2; 1-9.
- Anadebe VC, Okafor NA , Ezeugo JO et al. GC-MS Analysis of Phytochemical Compounds in Cajanus Cajan Leaf. J. chem. pharm.2017; 9(5):360-363.
- Aja PM, Alum EU, Ezeani NN et al. Comparative Phytochemical Composition of Cajanus cajan Leaf and Seed. Intl. J. Microbiol. Res.2015; 6 (1): 42-46.
- Russel K. Yoga for Hair Growth. 2012.
- Sameer Kumar CV , Naik S , Mohan Net al. Botanical Description of Pigeonpea [Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp.].2017: 10.1007/978-3-319-63797-6_3.
- Rabia S, Ying W. A review article on health benefits of Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp). International Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 2018; 2:15.
- Gupta RK, Kumar S, Gupta K et al. Cutaneous exposure to clinically-relevant pigeon pea (Cajanuscajan) proteins promote TH2-dependent sensitization and IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in Balb/c mice. Journal of Immunotoxicology. 2016; 13(6): 827-841.
- Ezike A, Akah P, Okoli C, et al.Experimental evidence for the antidiabetic activity of Cajanus cajan leaves in rats. Journal of basic and clinical pharmacy.2010;1;81-84.
- Shamsi TN, Parveen R, Ahamad S, et al. Structural and Biophysical Characterization of Cajanus cajan Protease Inhibitor. J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2017;8(2):186–192.
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Harvard Health Publishing. Glycemic index for 60+ foods
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.