A lot of dishes feature pulses, which are edible seeds of leguminous plants that are cultivated for food. Right from lentils to dried beans to peas, pulses can be found in a variety of dishes such as curries, salads and soups. They are low in fat and rich in fiber, making them beneficial for our health. You can have them anytime or any season, but it is better to avoid some of the pulses during monsoon. When it rains, the humidity tends to affect our digestive system, leading to problems like gas, bloating and acidity if we don’t eat right during the rainy season. So, let us tell you about some of the pulses to avoid in monsoon.

What are pulses?

Pulses are a type of leguminous crop that are harvested solely for their dry seeds. They include beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, and other small, round seeds that grow within pods. Pulses are known for being rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a staple in many diets around the world, says Tanya Mehra.

Pulses to avoid during monsoon

During monsoon, digestion may become sluggish due to the increased humidity and damp weather. So, certain pulses, while highly nutritious, may cause digestive issues when consumed during this season. Here’s a look at some commonly consumed pulses that can cause stomach problems during monsoon, according to the expert:

1. Black gram or urad dal

Black gram is rich in protein, iron and fiber. A hundred grams of black gram has 24 grams of protein, according to the US Department of Agriculture. It may support bone health, boost energy, and aid in muscle building. Urad dal can be heavy on the stomach and harder to digest, leading to discomfort and bloating during the humid weather.

2. Kidney beans or rajma

Kidney beans are packed with protein, fiber, and minerals like iron, copper and potassium. They may help in maintaining blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and provide long-lasting energy, says the expert. They may also help in weight loss. A European Journal of Nutrition study observed 30 obese adults as participants on a weight-loss diet. As per the study, eating pulses, including beans, four times a week led to more weight loss than a diet without beans. But rajma is known to cause bloating and gas, which can get exacerbated during the monsoon due to slower digestion.

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3. Split chickpea lentil or chana dal

Chana dal is a great source of protein, fiber, and minerals such as calcium, and iron. It may aid in weight management, control cholesterol, and support overall digestive health, says Mehra. This pulse can lead to indigestion and flatulence, making it less suitable for consumption during the rainy season when digestive processes are slower.

4. Chickpeas or kabuli chana

Chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium. They may promote heart health, improve digestion, and help in weight management. They also contain complex sugars, fermentable oligosaccharides, and polyols, which can be hard to digest.

5. Red lentil or masoor dal

They have protein, fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron and vitamins C and B. Red lentil is rich in fiber, and potassium, making it a good food option for the heart and for managing cholesterol. But it may cause flatulence due to the presence of sugars like raffinose, and stachyose that are difficult to digest.

Which are the healthier pulses to consume during monsoon?

There are some pulses that are light on the stomach, easy to digest, and packed with nutrients. Here are some of them:

• Moong dal or green gram
• Toor dal or pigeon peas
• Lobia or black-eyed peas

Tips for better digestion of pulses

If you wish to enjoy pulses during monsoon, follow these tips:

• Soak pulses overnight to help reduce digestive issues by breaking down complex sugars.
• Ensure that pulses are cooked thoroughly to make them easier to digest.
• Incorporate spices like ginger, cumin, and asafoetida (hing), which aid digestion and reduce bloating.
• Avoid overconsumption of pulses to prevent digestive problems.
• Drink plenty of water to help with digestion and reduce the risk of bloating.

By following these tips, you can enjoy their nutritional advantages while minimising discomfort during the rainy season.