Kulthi

Known scientifically as Macrotyloma uniflorum, kulthi dal in english is called horse gram. It is well characterised by its tiny seeds in complex shape and dark brownish colour. Kulthi, due to its high nutritional value and therapeutic properties, is widely eaten in all South Asian recipes and traditional medicines. Legumes have been in diets and health practices for many centuries because they are versatile and cure some health conditions.

This grain is used in various dishes, soups or stews, dals, and other preparations. While including this grain with the meals, flavour, and nutritional values are improved. Such dishes include the management of kidney stones, improvement of digestion, and management of weight.

Kulthi, besides its nutritional utility in the form of food, is also used in herbal medicines and other natural therapy preparations owing to its rich protein, vitamin, and mineral content. The nutritional strength of the legume and its medicinal properties make it a good constituent in diet and health practices.

Kulthi is known by several names across different languages and regions:

• Horse Gram: in English-speaking countries.
• Kulthi: Used in colloquial and Hindi language. 
• Hurd: Another local name for horse gram in some regions.

These alternative names show the wide range of Kulthi’s usage in various cultural and linguistic contexts.

Kulthi is a nutrient-dense legume offering a wealth of essential nutrients. Per 100 grams, it provides:

These nutrients contribute to Kulthi's role in supporting overall health, including muscle development, bone health, and energy production. Its high protein content makes it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake naturally.

Kulthi, or horse gram, is primarily composed of the following:

• Protein
• Carbohydrates
• Fibre
• Fats
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Antioxidants

Kulthi is highly important, especially in traditional medicinal systems. It has been globally accepted for its efficiency in supporting kidney health primarily because of its diuretic properties. It may assist in the management of kidney stones by flushing out excess fluids and toxins.

• When medicinally taken, kulthi promotes good digestive health since it contains numerous fibres; the bowel is eased regularly and prevents constipation.
• Weight management is also another advantage of the consumption of kulthi. That is because this nut has high protein contents and a meagre percentage of fat, which renders one complete quickly, thus reducing appetite and calorie intake. This makes it a valuable food in administering weight management practices to those pursuing the practice.
• Another related advantage of Kulthi is the contribution it can make in regulating blood sugar levels, a treasured addition to the diets of those people who already possess diabetes or who are at risk of developing the disease.

Overall, Kulthi's therapeutic benefits extend to improving metabolic health, enhancing immunity, and supporting overall vitality. Its diverse range of medicinal uses highlights its value in dietary and healthcare practices.

There are numerous Kulthi benefits. Some of them are discussed below:

• Acts as a diuretic: It can also maintain healthy kidneys and has been used as one of the most efficient treatment techniques for kidney stones. Kulthi is a diuretic that helps flush out excess fluids and toxins from the kidneys and minimises the conditions likely to cause stone formation in the kidney. Helping to promote urination assists in keeping the urinary tract healthy and free of obstructions.
• Maintains digestive health: Kulthi contains an extremely high amount of fibre, making it a healthy option for digestive health. Its regular bowel movement prevents constipation because the fibre in kulthi also helps keep a healthy gut system, which leaves behind lesser digestive distress and better digestive health.
• Increases Immunity: Kulthi is one of the richest sources of essential vitamins and minerals that help maintain an effective immune system. Daily consumption of Kulthi can help increase the body's immunity to fight infections and diseases, thereby ensuring good health and energy.
• Controls Blood Sugar Level: The low glycemic index of kulthi keeps it from spiking blood sugar levels. It helps individuals diagnosed with diabetes and those at risk of being diagnosed, keeping their blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.
• Supports Weight Management: Since it holds a high amount of protein and minimal fat, Kulthi can help induce a feeling of fullness. This can control your appetite and reduce overall calorie intake, making weight management more accessible.
• Cholesterol Management: Kulthi dal is high in fibre and has other bioactive compounds that can help lower the levels of bad cholesterol. Regular consumption has shown anti-hypercholesterolemic effects, making it beneficial for managing cholesterol and overall cardiovascular health.
• Supports Menstrual Health: Kulthi's nutritional content, including iron and protein, may help support general reproductive health and manage symptoms linked to anaemia and fatigue. Owing to its emmenagogue properties, it may help stimulate menstrual flow and support the management of oligomenorrhea, a condition where there is reduced menstrual flow. Additionally, the astringent action of kulthi may assist in the management of leucorrhoea, which is discharged by yellowish copious fluid. 

Apart from the above benefits, there are also kulthi benefits for skin, which are essential in the Ayurvedic system. 

• Nutritional and Culinary Uses: It is enriched with protein, calcium, and iron and is commonly used to fortify the nutritional value of food products like cookies, chutney powder, and rasam mix. 
• Therapeutic Benefits: Kulthi is beneficial in assisting in the management of kidney stones, diabetes, hand yperlipidemia, and supporting cardiovascular health. It also helps heal intestinal disorders and urinary ailments. 
• Agricultural Value: It is adaptable to poor soil and adverse climatic conditions, making it valuable for tropical regions and improving soil fertility

Even though the various health benefits that Kulthi offers are countless, it is also essential to follow certain precautions:

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: It is recommended that one seek the opinion of a healthcare professional before adding Kulthi to their diet, especially if they have some underlying medical condition, are pregnant, or are under medication. This determines if it would be safe to consume Kulthi following your health condition.
• Moderation: One suffers from gastritis caused by excessive intake of Kulthi, such as bloating and gas, or even digestive upset. A controlled amount of Kulthi intake evades such adverse effects of its consumption.
• Drug Interactions: Kulthi may be an interfering drug for some other drugs primarily used for problems related to kidneys or sugar. So, let your doctor know of such potential interactions and decide whether continuing it risks no adverse effects or complications.

So, by taking all these precautions, one can safely add it to the diet and reap its health benefits without having unnecessary risks. Kulthi syrup benefits individuals suffering from general ailments and should follow the recommended dosage.

Kulthi can be added to your diet in various ways:

• Cooked as Dal: Kulthi may be used in one of the most common ways to prepare it as a dal.
  • Steps to use:
    • First, boil Kulthi seeds, which have been soaked overnight, and the other masala, including turmeric, Cumin, and coriander. It is also suitable for cooking curry, dal, and stew-prepared items.
    • Add kulthi in dals, curries, or other recipes.
    • In preparing the following recipe, Kulthi is used to make a delicious and healthy dish.
• Herbal Remedies: It can be used in powder form in herbal medicine. Take water or milk to deal with ailments or diseases such as kidney stones or gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Steps to use:
    • It is advised to soak 3-5 grams of Kulthi dal for the whole night.
    • Mix the kulthi in warm milk or with water.
    • Strain the mix and drink it regularly.
    • It is more suitable for daily use, such as renal stone illness.

Kulthi dal benefits one by using it in different ways in his or her diet and handling different ailments, thus sizing all the health benefits.

The dose of kulthi or horse gram will depend on the ailment and health issues targeted for treatment.

• General Health: For general health, 1-2 tablespoonfuls of cooked horse gram should be consumed every day. Sufficient proteins, fibre, and antioxidants will be provided to facilitate digestion and maintain normal blood sugar levels.
• Specific Conditions: In managing kidney stones, 4 teaspoons of horse gram are decocted in water and administered. The medication may assist in reducing the size of kidney stones due to the presence of phenolic compounds​. Kulthi, for weight reduction or diabetes control, is administered in raw or sprouted form due to its low glycemic effect​.

Horse gram may interact with certain medications, such as those released with conditions concerning kidney function or blood sugar level.

• Kidney Function: Horse gram has a diuretic effect, so its inclusion in other diuretics may exaggerate its effect. The dosage may also need to be adjusted.
• Blood Sugar Levels: Persons on medication for diabetes may observe that horse gram alters blood sugar levels, necessitating constant monitoring and adjustment of medication.

Always consult a doctor before drastically changing your diet, especially if you already have some form of illness or ailment.

• Kulthi, also known as horse gram, is a nutrient-dense legume with numerous health benefits.
• It supports kidney health and may help manage and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
• Kulthi aids in digestive function by promoting regular bowel movements and relieving constipation.
• The legume assists in weight management due to its high protein content and low fat.
• It is essential to consume Kulthi in moderation to avoid potential side effects.
• Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication.
• Caution must be exercised as excessive consumption may lead to gastric irritation.
• Proper use of Kulthi can contribute to overall well-being and vitality.

Conclusion

Kulthi offers targeted health benefits due to its diuretic, hypoglycaemic, and high-fibre properties. It supports kidney function by promoting urine flow and may aid in managing kidney stones. Its fibre content enhances digestion and cholesterol control, while the low glycaemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals. Additionally, kulthi contributes to weight management, improves immunity, and supports menstrual health through its iron and protein content. However, overconsumption may lead to digestive issues, and those with kidney or metabolic conditions should seek medical advice due to potential interactions. When used in moderation, kulthi can be a valuable part of a balanced diet.