Horse Gram Advantages and Disadvantages: Horse gram is a type of legume cultivated mainly in certain parts of Southeast Asia. It is a short, climbing herb from which tiny red or black color seeds are obtained. The term ‘horse gram’ originates from the fact that it was used to feed horses and cattle in farming communities and rural areas. Horse gram contains many useful nutrients. It is a good source of protein and fiber which is essential for a healthy life.
The horse gram can be consumed in various ways. It may be used in preparing different dishes like soup, salad, etc. For its unique flavor and aroma, horse gram can be considered an essential ingredient in many cuisines. Typically, the seeds are consumed as sprouted, boiled, or fried in a variety of recipes. Horse gram is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisines as well as in other countries of Southeast Asia.
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What is Horse Gram? Advantages and Disadvantages of Horse Gram 2022
Horse gram refer to a special type of seed that gives significant health benefits on consumption because of its high protein and fiber content. It has an extensive application in Ayurveda, which suggests several formulations with horse gram that help in the treatment of various health problems. Researchers have proved that horse gram seeds are quite beneficial for our health because they are rich in various nutrients. If we consider the proportion of nutrients percentage-wise, it would give the values as follows: Protein – 22%, Carbohydrates – 57%, Minerals – 3%, Fibers- 5%, and the rest are antioxidants, vitamins, etc.
High protein content helps to provide energy, fibers help in making the digestive system active, and antioxidants keep the liver functioning well. Horse gram seeds are found to be very effective in addressing various health issues such as asthma, respiratory troubles, urinary infections, peptic ulcers, liver disorders, and menstrual problems.
- Advantages of Horse Gram
- Disadvantages of Horse Gram
- Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Horse Gram
- FAQ’s on Horse Gram Advantages And Disadvantages
Advantages of Horse Gram
Help in weight loss: Horse gram is rich in fibers and proteins and has nutrients that serve the purpose of burning calories. It also helps to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol). The fiber in the seed keeps the digestive system active and detoxified. High protein contents in horse grams provide energy and reduce fat intakes which help to achieve weight loss.
- Reduce blood sugar level: Intake of raw, unprocessed horse gram seeds help to control the raised blood sugar level by slowing down the carbohydrate digestion after the meal and reducing insulin resistance in the body.
- Help in lower cholesterol levels: The horse gram helps to control the cholesterol levels in the blood. It reduces the bad cholesterol that is a probable cause of blockages in veins and increases the good cholesterol. So consuming horse gram helps to reduce the risk of heart ailments.
- Help in skin disorders: The horse gram has antioxidants that nourish the skin and reduce the chances of skin problems. Regular consumption of horse gram helps to reduce boils, rashes, and other skin disorders. It can also be applied externally as a face pack and helps the skin glow.
- Helps to improve sperm count: Horse gram contains significant amounts of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and others. These are some of the essential nutrients that have the properties to positively act on the male reproductive system and help to increase sperm count in males.
- Protects liver function: Horse grams contain some plant-based nutrients that have a very effective role in the healthy functioning of the liver and gallbladder.
- Treats Kidney Stones: Horse gram seeds are rich in antioxidants and play a major role in controlling the salt hardening process that eventually reduces calcium phosphate formation in kidneys. Thus, it is very effective in eliminating the chances of kidney stones. Horse gram seeds are also applied for remedial procedures of kidney disorders.
Disadvantages of Horse Gram
Although horse gram is highly nutritious for the human body and delivers several health benefits, there are some potential side effects observed by regular consumption of horse grams that need to be considered. Also, horse gram is not recommended for people suffering from some specific types of ailments that are explained below.
- Horse gram contains a specific type of carbohydrate that may cause gas and acidity during digestion, especially when eaten in large quantities. So, persons having gastric ulcers and hyperacidity should avoid taking horse gram seeds.
- Horse gram releases phytic acid which can restrict certain nutrient absorption thereby causing side effects.
- Horse gram seeds can have some adverse effects in cases of bleeding problems, especially for women.
- Horse grams should be strictly avoided if anyone suffers from gout or joint pain because it may increase the uric acid level.
- Persons under treatment for anemia should avoid the consumption of horse gram seeds.
- Horse grams are also not recommended during pregnancy as it increases body heat.
- In the case of Tuberculosis, horse grams can have some adverse effects so it has to be avoided.
- Horse grams may result in allergic reactions in some people.
Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Horse Gram
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Horse grams help in weight loss as high protein contents in horse grams help to reduce the hunger-stimulating hormones which make us eat less, resulting in weight loss. It also helps to burn calories by working on fatty tissues.. | Horse grams have certain side effects like gas and acidity so it should be avoided by persons having hyperacidity symptoms and gastric ulcers. |
| Consumption of horse grams helps to reduce bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol which controls the risk of heart-related problems. | Horse grams tend to increase uric acid level so it should not be taken by people suffering from gout or joint pains. |
| Regular intake of horse grams has some positive effects on skin and avoids boils, rashes etc. with the nourishment of the skin. | Women should not take horse grams in case of bleeding problems as it may worsen the condition. |
| The high fiber content of horse grams is very effective in maintaining a healthy digestive system and detoxification of the body. | Consuming Horse grams may result in allergic reactions in some cases. |
| Horse gram seeds are rich in antioxidants that help in eliminating harmful elements to avoid damage to healthy kidney cells. | Horse gram consumption is not recommended for persons suffering from tuberculosis. |
| Horse grams have natural properties to protect the liver and gallbladder. | Expectant mothers should avoid taking horse grams during pregnancy. |
FAQs on Horse Gram Advantages And Disadvantages
Question 1.
Why are Horse Gram seeds so named?
Answer:
Horse gram seed is so named because it was used for feeding horses and cattle in farming communities of rural areas.
Question 2.
Why are horse gram seeds considered a part of a healthy diet?
Answer:
Horse gram seeds contain high protein, fiber, minerals and antioxidants which are essential nutrients for the human body for maintaining good health.
Question 3.
How horse gram seeds are effective in reducing risk of heart diseases?
Answer:
Consuming horse gram seeds help in eliminating the bad cholesterol that causes blockages of veins and arteries and thereby reduce the risk of heart failures.