Boost your metabolism with Horse gram
In today’s fast-paced world, where we are always on the go, staying fit has become paramount. With people becoming increasingly health-conscious, a lot of time and effort is spent on finding the best foods to boost one’s metabolism. Metabolism is the process by which our bodies convert food into energy, and it is one of the key factors in determining our overall health.
Horse gram, or Macrotyloma uniflorum, is a legume widely cultivated in India and other parts of Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments and is known for its numerous health benefits. One of its most significant benefits is that it can help boost your metabolism.
In this article, we will explore the various ways horse gram can help improve your metabolism, how to incorporate it into your diet, and tips on how to make the most of this superfood.
What is Horse Gram?
Horse gram is a legume that is a part of the Fabaceae family. It is native to India, but it is also grown in other parts of Asia, such as Sri Lanka and Malaysia. It is a rough, hardy crop that can thrive even in adverse weather conditions and is commonly used as animal feed.
Horse gram is an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and protein. It is low in fat and calories, making it an excellent addition to any weight loss diet.
How Horse Gram Boosts Metabolism
- Helps Burn Body Fat
Horse gram is known to have a high amount of protein and fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer. This reduces the chances of snacking on unhealthy foods that could lead to weight gain. Additionally, horse gram has a low glycemic index (GI), which means that it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This helps prevent the accumulation of fat in the body and aids in weight loss. - Provides Energy
Horse gram is a rich source of complex carbohydrates, which take longer to digest compared to simple carbohydrates. This means that horse gram releases energy slowly, providing a sustained source of energy to the body. This helps improve endurance and allows for longer, more intense workouts that help burn more calories. - Increases Metabolic Rate
Horse gram contains high levels of dietary fiber and protein, which require more energy to digest than other foods. This results in the body burning more calories to digest horse gram compared to other foods. This increased rate of calorie burn can help boost metabolism and promote weight loss. - Regulates Hormones
Horse gram contains phytoestrogens that help regulate the levels of hormones in the body, especially those related to metabolism. This regulation of hormones can help prevent the development of conditions such as hypothyroidism, which can lead to slow down of metabolism. - Slows Down Aging
Horse gram is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body against free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to aging. This can help promote a healthy metabolism and reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses.
How to Incorporate Horse Gram into Your Diet
Horse gram can be consumed in various ways, and incorporating it into your diet can be easy. The following are a few ways you can add horse gram to your meals:
- Soup: Horse gram soup or rasam is a popular dish in Southern India. It can be made using horse gram, tomato, onion, and a few other spices.
- Sprouts: Soaking horse gram overnight and then sprouting it can make a healthy snack. Sprouted horse gram can be added to salads or eaten on its own.
- Curry: Horse gram curry is another delicious way to add it to your diet. It can be made with ginger, garlic, and other spices, and is best served with bread or rice.
- Idli: Horse gram idli is a nutritious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. It is made by combining horse gram flour, rice flour, and spices to form a batter. This is then steamed to form soft, fluffy idlis.
- Dosa: Horse gram dosa is another tasty dish that can be made by blending horse gram, rice, and spices to form a batter. This is then spread onto a hot pan to form crispy dosas.
Tips for Making the Most of Horse Gram
- Soak it overnight
Horse gram is a tough legume that requires more time to cook compared to other legumes. Soaking it overnight can make it easier to cook and more digestible. - Combine with herbs and spices
Horse gram has a tough outer covering that can make it difficult to absorb flavors. Adding ginger, garlic, and other herbs and spices can help enhance the taste of the dish and make it more appetizing. - Don’t overcook
Overcooking horse gram can result in it becoming powdery, which can ruin the texture of the dish. It is best to cook the dish for the recommended time and not overcook it. - Balance with other foods
Horse gram is low in fat and calories but high in protein and fiber. It is essential to balance it with other healthy foods to ensure that you are getting a balanced diet. - Choose organic
Horse gram is a crop that is often sprayed with pesticides. It is best to choose organic horse gram to ensure that you are eating food that has not been exposed to harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
Horse gram is a superfood that has numerous health benefits, including boosting metabolism. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes and is easy to incorporate into your diet. By adding horse gram to your meals, you can improve your overall health and enjoy its numerous health benefits.