Let’s Know the Science (Native) — Horse gram / Macrotyloma uniflorum
Macrotyloma uniflorum is a type of legume. It is the most used crop in South Tamil Nadu. It is also called a horse gram.
Macrotyloma uniflorum crop is known as Mudira in Malayalam, Ulawalu in Telugu, Kulthi in Hindi, Abul Kult in Arabic, Gulata in Sanskrit and Pian Dou in Chinese all over the world. In English it is called horse gram. Horses are also given this gram. The reason is that pulses can strengthen bones and nerves, so the ancestors gave it to the horse that was doing hard work. They are also used medicinally in ancient medicine like Siddha and Ayurveda.
The US National Academy of Sciences has identified this plant species as a potential food source for the future. You may be familiar with red, black and green lentils. They are often thought of as fodder for horses and even foodies sometime miss consuming lentil.
It contains rich iron, calcium (lime), molybdenum and protein providing various benefits. It is a healthy food. Can be consumed by soaked or fried. It can be cooked in different ways like soup, gravy, side dish etc.
It also contains numerous medicinal benefits. It has excellent medicinal properties, and it can be consumed by everyone from children to adults.
Medicinal Benefits of horse gram:
- Horse gram is used in Siddha and Ayurveda as medicine to dissolve kidney stones, hemorrhoids and blood clots.
- It nutrients can prevent harmful oxygen and protect our body cells/organisms. Therefore, we believe that it contains important factors that prevent oxidation.
Helps to dissolve body fat: It is very powerful in dissolving fat. It is a good medicine for people suffering from anxiety and heart disease. Soaking the horse gram and drinking that water will remove the bad water from the body. Similarly, lentils also have the power to reduce fat.
Dissolves Kidney Stones: Horse gram is used in cooking to dissolve small kidney stones. Recent research says that ‘Calcium oxalate’ can help dissolve kidney stone. Also, taking a little of horse gram with Himalaya salt and boiling it with one liter of water will dissolve stones in internal organs like kidneys and urinary tract.
Increases sperms: Calcium, phosphorus, iron, and amino acids in it increase the number of sperms in men and help in infertility.
Prevents diabetes: The sugar amount can be measured in the food is called the ‘Glycemic Index’. As this measurement increases, the blood glucose level increases. But horse gram belongs to the anti-hyperglycemic food category. Hence, it is also good for diabetics.
Cure cold and fever: People suffering from cold, and flu can eat horsegram, it helps to expel the phlegm from the body. Drinking it with the boiled water is used to control fever and cold.
Resolves Menstrual Problems: Controls excessive bleeding during menstruation in women; resolves menstrual problems. Women can drink horsegram water and also consumed as soup. It is best to avoid only during menstruation.
Strengthens Body Organs: Sprouted horsegram is rich in vitamins A, B and C. It is also said to be rich in iron and potassium, which are essential elements for the body.
Boosts Immunity: It is rich in nutrients needed to boost immunity in the body. This will make the body parts stronger. Protects from disease and strengthens bones and nerves. It can be boiled with rice and consumed as porridge. Thus, appetite is eliminated; The body becomes strong.
Cures eye diseases: During rainy season due to germ infection conjunctivitis called “Madras Eye” is spread to many people. When this infection occurs, the eyes become very sore and irritated due to inability to open the eyes. Whole grains are rich in antioxidants. So those affected by conjunctivitis — at night, we can soak the grains in a bowl of water and wash your eyes with that water in the morning, the irritation of the eyes will get rid of the germs that cause the infection of conjunctivitis and the eye infection will heal very soon.
Controls Diabetes: Horse gram is an excellent natural food for diabetics. It is high in anti-hyper-glycemic chemicals, and it is loaded with chemicals that reduce insulin resistance. Eating horse gram soup or horse gram grain meals once or twice a day for diabetics gives them more fiber and increases insulin secretion in their blood and helps control sugar levels. So, person suffering from diabetics can eat more horse gram foods.
Horse gram is a grain that provides many types of nutrients to humans so it is good to consume it regularly.
