Top 10 varieties of lentils (Daal) used in India

Lentils (Daal) are the most important part of the Indian subcontinent. Lentils (daal) is spelled as dal which originated in the Indian subcontinent for dries and split pulses. There are so many endless varieties of Dals. There are many cuisines in which Dals are used such as khichdi, dosa, kebab, soup, paratha, and kachori. It is used in sweet dishes also like halwa and laddoo. Whole dals are soaked and sprouted to make very healthy salads. Sprouts include green moong sprouts, horse gram sprouts, chana, Kala chana sprouts, and moth sprouts. Dals are very nutritious and healthy. It is highly rich in protein. It contains calories, carbs, fiber, sodium, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and folate. It is highly rich in protein that is beneficial for heart health, bones, muscles, and skin. It can protect against diabetes and colon cancer. It improves digestion and gives relief from constipation. It can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels. It is very healthy for pregnant women, it helps in the growth and development of baby’s. A very popular and famous meal in India is dal, roti, and sabzi.
Here we discussed 10 varieties of Dals.

Whole Masoor Dal

Masoor dal

Whole Masoor Dal is plant-based which is rich in fiber, protein, and minerals. It is brown outside and orange inside. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for health in various ways. It helps in lower blood pressure levels and lower cholesterol levels and decreases the risk of heart diseases. It helps in fetal development and is beneficial for pregnant women. It is very healthy for the skin, it keeps skin moisturized and helps in acne.

Orange Masoor Dal

masoor-dal-lentils

When the skin is removed from the Whole Masoor Dal, it becomes Split Orange Masoor Dal. It is easy to cook and digest. There is no need to soak this dal before cooking. As we know dals are a good source of protein, apart from this it has essential amino acids, iron, fiber, and potassium. It improves gut health, good vision. It is beneficial for skin health and helps in diabetes. It boosts heart health and makes bones strong.

Black Urad Dal

black-urad-dal

The whole Black Urad Dal is a black-skinned dal that is white inside. The whole Black Urad Dal is soaked overnight before cooking. Dal makhani is made using this Whole Black Urad Dal. It is packed high in fiber and nutrients. It improves digestion and bone health. It is good for skin and hair and boosts energy. It strengthens the nervous system and helps in diabetes.

Yellow Moong Dal

Yellow moong dal

Split Yellow Moong Dal is one of the most commonly used dal in the Indian Kitchen. This dal does not require soaking for a long duration before cooking. It is very easy to cook and digest. It is used for making sweet dishes also like halwa and stuffing in paratha. It contains healthy nutrients that have many health benefits. It promotes weight loss and controls blood pressure. It enhances gut health and is healthy for the heart.

Green Moong Dal

Mung bean, green moong dal in wooden bowl. White textile background. 

Whole Green Moong Dal is loaded with essential nutrients. It is soaked before cooking or making sprouts. It is one of the most important ingredients in sprouts. Green Moong Dal is very healthy food and the best option for vegetarians. It is an excellent source of protein. It helps in weight loss and improves eye health and skin health.

Pigeon Peas / Toor Dal / Arhar Dal

pigeon-peas

Toor Dal is known as Arhar Dal. Arhar Dal is the main ingredient of the South Indian dish Sambar. It is a great source of folic acid, iron, calcium, and magnesium. It manages diabetes and maintains weight loss. It regulates blood pressure and boosts energy.

White Urad Dal

500-urad-dal-whole-urad-dal

Whole White Urad Dal is creamy white color. It is very healthy and nutritious. It is used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda. It improves digestion and helps in bowel movements. It improves insulin secretion and sensitivity and helps diabetes patients. It is healthy for skin and hair.

 Horse Gram

horse-gram-seeds

Horsegram is the highest protein content in the world. This gram gives more energy than others and it maintains weight so that it is used for fed horses. It is also a great source of iron and calcium. It is grown mostly in dry agricultural lands.

 Chane ki Dal / Bengal Gram

Chana dal

Chana dal is a very famous dal known as Bengal Gram also. It is widely used in Indian kitchens. It is used as the main ingredient in many Indian cuisines. It is highly rich in protein and contains Vitamins and minerals. It keeps the heart healthy and improves insulin response and helps diabetes patients. It is good for hair and skin. It helps strengthen bones and teeth.

 Moth Beans / Matki

moth-beans

Moth Beans are a good source of protein and very helpful in providing energy. It contains Vitamins, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and all other essential nutrients. These all nutrients help the body in internal development. It has high fiber which is very healthy for diabetic patients. It helps in controlling blood sugar levels.