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Grains and pulses are essential components of a balanced diet, providing important nutrients, energy, and dietary fiber. Here’s a brief overview of each: GrainsGrains, also known as cereals, are small, hard seeds harvested for food. They are an important source of carbohydrates and provide energy.
Examples of Grains: Wheat (used in bread, pasta, etc.) Rice (staple in many cultures) Barley Oats Corn (Maize) Millet Quinoa (technically a pseudocereal but treated as a grain) Sorghum Nutritional Benefits: Rich in carbohydrates for energy. Provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion. Contain B vitamins, such as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin. Some grains (e.g., quinoa) are good sources of protein. Whole grains are rich in antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium. Pulses Pulses are a type of legume, harvested for their dry seeds. They are highly nutritious and are especially valued as a protein source. Examples of Pulses: Lentils (red, green, brown, etc.) Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) Beans (kidney beans, black beans, navy beans) Peas (split peas, dry peas) Black-eyed peas Pigeon peas Mung beans Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Excellent source of fiber, promoting gut health. Rich in iron, potassium, and magnesium. Low in fat and contain no cholesterol. Contain complex carbohydrates for sustained energy release.
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