A rainy evening in Bengaluru: the streets soaked, the sky grey, and on your dining table sits a humble bowl of steaming masoor dal. A squeeze of lemon, a hint of ghee, and suddenly, the day feels better. Next to it, perhaps, is a stir-fry of soybeans: flavorful, nutty, and filling.

Superfoods, not fancy ones, imported from miles away; these are home-grown protein heroes that have nourished Indian households quietly for centuries. AT Organic Mandya, we recognize how masoor dal and soybean are the best sources of plant-based proteins. 

Enjoy the Goodness of Forgotten Staples

Lately, our local kitchen tables are filled with packets of quinoa, chia seeds, oats, and imported lentils. Did we really forget the home-grown superfoods? Think masoor dal, soybeans, and a whole lot of Indian foods that are nutrient-rich and even vegetarian options of protein. Thanks to the Indian soil, these are cultivated in plenty and are extensively available. 

Why not add locally available food sources to our daily diet chart? This is one of the mottos of Organic Mandya. 

Not prioritizing locally available sources of protein and depending on imported food has a range of disadvantages:

• Increasing CO2 emission footprints as imports drive demand.

• Eroding the demand for indigenous crops and further weakening farmer incomes.

• Creating complexities within diets instead of opting for a simple, well-balanced diet.

Incorporating masoor dal and soybean keeps your physique healthy and gives you sufficient protein, while also supporting our local farmers and the indigenous farming ecosystem. 

Everyday Powerhouses: Masoor Dal and Soybean

What makes masoor dal nutrition exceptional?

• Protein: ~9g per 100g when cooked

• Fiber: Aids gut health and supports a steady release of energy.

• Iron & Folate: Increases Hb levels and boosts immunity.

Benefits of Masoor Dal at a Glance:

• Aids in the management of weight 

• Improve heart health by lowering cholesterol

• Contribute to immunity with natural antioxidants

• Can be incorporated into various dishes

Soybeans: The Protein Powerhouse

Among high-protein vegetarian foods, soy stands out for its amino acid profile, which is similar to that found in animal protein sources. 

The benefits of including soybeans in your diet are:

• Muscle Growth & Repair: Great for vegetarians, athletes, and growing teens.

• Hormonal Balance: Isoflavones present in soy are believed to be beneficial for women's health

• Strengthening Bone: Rich in calcium and contributes to the long-term preservation of bone density.

• Versatility: Can be utilized as soya chunks, tofu, soy flour, or boiled soybeans.

Best Way to Add Masoor Dal & Soybeans to Your Bites

Smart ways to enjoy masoor dal:

• Vegetable soups for winter comfort

• Sprouted dal salads for beating the heat during summer

• Dal-based khichdi to build immunity during monsoon.

Easy soybean recipes:

• Quick stir-fry recipes with tofu that help increase your protein intake

• Soybean curry served with rice or rotis

• By roasting soy nut snacks, munching becomes guilt-free.

If you add soybean and masoor dal to your diet, you can easily prepare protein-rich and flavorful meals on a daily basis.

Why Masoor Dal and Soybeans Deserve a Permanent Spot in Your Kitchen

• Nutrient Diversity: Masoor dal and soybeans are packed with protein, minerals, and fiber, which are missing from carb-heavy meals.

• Sustainable Farming: Pulses fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps in the decreased use of chemical fertilizers in the future.

• Affordable: Being of local origin, they are cost-effective and accessible to everyone, compared to imported superfoods.

In other words, consuming masoor dal and soybeans goes beyond adding nutritional value to your diet; it is equally good for the farming ecosystem of the country. 

Have One Protein-Packed Meal a Day: Start Today

Always make it a point to have at least one dish that is packed in natural protein, and masoor dal and soybean are great options.  Here are a few diet tips that may help:

• Each week, include tofu or soybeans at least twice, for dinner or lunch.

• Shuffle your protein sources and opt among masoor dal, toor dal, or moong dal every day.

• Track your daily protein intake, which is ideally 45-55g/day for adults.

Common Myths Vs. Reality:

Myth: In summer, one must avoid masoor dal since "heat" is generated. 

Contrary: During summer, a light soup or salad made of masoor dal is an ideal source of protein.

Myth: Soy protein is synthetic or unsafe.

Reality: Organically grown soybeans are among the safest and most sustainable of plant proteins.

Myth: Imported grains are superior protein sources.

Reality: Masoor dal and soybeans are complete, affordable, and local plant-based protein sources with a lower carbon footprint.

FAQS

1. What makes masoor dal different from other dals?

Masoor dal is packed with protein, fiber, and iron; it cooks fast, and fits in any seasonal menu.

2. Can we consider dals and soybeans to be good plant-based protein sources?

Definitely! Together, they give a complete spectrum of amino acids; hence, they are among the best choices for vegetarians.

3. Is masoor dal helpful for weight loss?

Yes! The protein and fiber keep hunger in check and promote healthy weight maintenance.

4. How much protein does masoor dal have?

Approx. 9 g of protein per 100 g serving can be expected when eating cooked masoor dal.

5. Which is better: masoor dal or moong dal?

Both are nutritious. Masoor dal is rich in iron, whereas moong dal is easier to digest. 

6. What are the benefits of soybeans?

Soy protein helps in muscle repair, bone health, and hormonal balance, which is why it is among the best choices when it comes to plant-based protein sources.

Final Reflection:

Masoor dal and soybeans are magical ingredients to be added to an Indian diet. These are natural sources of proteins, rich in other essential nutrients, and contribute to one's overall health.

Each bowl of dal and soybeans is a result of the sweat and toil of our farmers.

By opting for these locally grown foods, we are also encouraging our farmers and helping them thrive.  Why hunt for protein from overseas when it can be sourced from our home soil? Organic Mandya vows to take home-grown pulses to every household. Local is the new global!

CTA: Incorporate the nutrition of masoor dal and soybean into your daily diet. Indulge in farm-fresh, protein-rich foods that bring flavor, nutrition, and comfort to all meals. Shop now on Organic Mandya.