Kulith, or horsegram, is a small, kidney-shaped, reddish-brown legume with a smoky flavour and chewy texture that is consumed as a sprout or as flour added to chapatis and parathas. The legume has a rich history dating as far back as 2500 BC when it was originally grown as horse feed. Kulith slowly made its way into Indian cuisine and is now frequently used to make curry, subzi, and, in certain regions of the Konkan belt, kulith pithla.
An exceedingly drought-resistant crop, kulith can be grown in the most adverse of climates and arid soils and is far friendlier on the pocket than other dals and pulses. Horsegram has numerous health benefits too, and while it can be consumed all year round, it is particularly nourishing during the rainy season as temperatures fall and the body becomes more prone to contracting infections. Read on to find out more about the health benefits of kulith and why it should frequently appear in your daily diet:
Reduces Stomach Trouble
Making a khichdi using sprouted kulith or sipping on a warm bowl of lentil soup made out of legume can reduce gassiness and other gastric ailments. Rich in fibre, it is helpful to regulate bowel movements, especially during the rainy season when the humid weather can easily upset the stomach. Kulith has also proved useful in dealing with piles and conditions such as jaundice, diarrhoea, and conjunctivitis.
Useful For Weight Loss
Kulith is a great source of protein and is rich in folic acid and phenolic acid. These are antioxidants, which can be useful for weight loss. Including kulith curry or kulith pithla in a weight loss plan will help to get rid of those excess calories as it induces feelings of satiety, which reduces the tendency to overeat. The phenol in kulith also attacks fatty tissue in the body to combat obesity.
Excellent Source Of Protein
Kulith is an excellent source of second-class protein that is easy to absorb. It is also a great source of energy, evident in its name, horsegram, or fodder, which would provide horses with immense energy and power and was fed to them especially before races. Incorporating this rather underutilised legume in the diet is then a great way to enhance protein intake.
Reduces Insulin Resistance
Kulith is a great source for increasing insulin sensitivity among diabetics. Its anti-hyperglycemic properties promote insulin uptake, leading to reduced blood sugar levels. By slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates, horsegram promotes a healthy blood sugar level while preventing the accumulation of excess fat in the body.
Promotes Heart Health
The legume is extremely useful for improving cardiovascular health because it contains a host of minerals and vitamins that work to keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Adding a bit of crushed garlic to the kulith dal, pithla, or curry not only enhances the dish’s flavour but also helps to promote good heart health. During chilly or damp weather, kulith acts as a great source of energy that sustains cardiovascular strength and nourishes a weary, sluggish body.
Helps Regulate Menstrual Cycle
For those suffering from prolonged menstrual cycles, including kulith in the diet can help regulate the flow. It is a great source of iron, which means that it also controls haemoglobin levels in the body, keeping it energetic during days of heavy bleeding. Kulith is also said to be useful in reducing leucorrhea, or odour discharge. Soaking some horse gram overnight in water and boiling it the next day to be eaten like a clear soup can be comforting during heavy flow days.