Pigeon peas, also known as red lentils, are a popular legume in Indian cuisine. With a mild, earthy flavor, these lentils are a nutritious and versatile addition to many dishes, from soups and stews to vegan burgers. In this post, we’ll explore the many uses of pigeon peas, including nutritional benefits, cooking tips, and delicious recipes. You’ll also learn about the history of red gram and its place in Indian culture. So grab your apron and join us as we explore the world of red gram!
Pigeon Peas Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart
Pigeon peas nutrition facts are impressive. This legume is a great source of plant-based protein, providing about 14 grams of protein per cooked cup. Pigeon peas are also high in fiber, providing about 10 grams per cooked cup. Additionally, pigeon peas are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, zinc, and folate. They are also a good source of thiamin and potassium. Pigeon peas are low in fat and cholesterol, making them a healthy choice for those looking to improve their dietary habits. Nutritional value per 100 g pigeon peas:
- Biotin: 0 μg
- Calcium: 42 mg
- Carbohydrates (Carbs): 23 g
- Chloride: 154 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Choline: 5.5 mg
- Chromium: 0.3 μg
- Copper: 0.3 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4.9 g
- Energy (Calories): 116 kcal
- Fat: 1.3 g
- Iodine: 2.6 μg
- Iron: 1.7 mg
- Magnesium: 71 mg
- Manganese: 0.7 mg
- Molybdenum: 6.2 μg
- Pantothenic Acid: 0.6 mg
- Phosphorus: 114 mg
- Potassium: 346 mg
- Protein: 7.2 g
- Saturated fat: 0.3 g
- Selenium: 0.9 μg
- Sodium: 7 mg
- Sugars: 0.5 g
- Vitamin A: 7 μg
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.3 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.05 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 1.6 mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.6 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 164 μg
- Vitamin B12: 0 μg
- Vitamin C: 0 mg
- Vitamin D: 0 μg
- Vitamin E: 0.4 mg
- Vitamin K: 2.9 μg
- Water: 11 g
- Zinc: 0.5 mg
Pigeon Peas in India
Pigeon pea is important high protein grain legume of the semiarid tropics and subtropics and centers to the protein requirements of the majority of the population in the Indian subcontinent. It is originated in India and later spread to Africa.
- Scientific Binomial: Cajanus cajan
- Common English: Red Gram
- Ayurvedic: Aadhaki / Tuvari / Tuvara / Shanapushpikaa
- Unani: Arhar
- Sanskrit: Tubarika / Karvirabhuja / Kakshi
- Hindi / Urdu: Arhar Dal / Tur
- Bengali
- Marathi: Toor Dal / Tuver
- Telugu: Kandi Pappu / Kandulu / Sinnakandi
- Tamil: Thuvaram Paruppu / Thuvarai / Tuvarai / Adagi
- Gujarati
- Kannada: Togari Bele / Dalu / Kariyudu / Tur
- Malayalam: Thuvara Parippu / Kakshi
- Oriya
- Punjabi / Sindhi
- Assamese
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Dogri
- Bhojpuri
Health Benefits
- Complex Carbohydrates: Tur dal is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which body needs for energy. When carbohydrates are eaten body breaks them down into glucose or blood sugar. Blood sugar is then used to provide energy to brain, body and nervous system. Complex carbohydrates are recommended over simple carbohydrates because of their increased nutritional value.
- Phenylalanine: Pigeon pea is a source of pain-relieving compound phenylalanine.
- High in Protein: Toor dal is high in protein and important amino acids methionine, lysine, and tryptophan. Pigeon pea bean seeds are high in vitamin C and rich in high quality protein.
- Folic Acid: Pigeon pea contains folic acid which is very helpful for women planning to become pregnant. Folic acid is essential for fetal development and can help to prevent neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida. Getting adequate amounts of folic acid in diet can help to reduce specific brain and spinal cord birth defects by more that 70%.
- Dietary Fiber: Red gram is good source of dietary fiber, which can help to prevent constipation and promote regularity. A diet that includes healthy dietary fiber can also reduce risk of chronic diseases.
Home Remedies
Regularly eating legumes as part of an overall healthy diet can lead to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
- Jaundice: Pigeon pea tree leaves can be used for jaundice. Grind some pigeon pea and take out extract. Take sufficient leaves, we need 1/2 cup extract. Drink 1/2 cup juice everyday.
- Snakebite: Pigeon peas roots are considered as antidote for snakebite poison. Chew some root pieces for the effect.
- Wounds: It helps to cure cough, poisoning effect, gas troubles, acidity, stomach pain and piles It makes a balanced meal quells swelling of internal organs. It is also helpful in the treatment of internal organ swelling and wounds.
- Hair Care: A fine paste made from red gram can be applied regularly with beneficial results on bald patches. One would have never thought that pigeon pea has enough strengthening agents that can help in hair growth and treat baldness.