Comprehensive Guide to Pulses
Comprehensive Guide to Pulses for Pediatric Nutrition
Traditional Indian Pulses
Mung Beans (Green Gram)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 23.9g
- Iron: 6.7mg
- Calcium: 132mg
- Zinc: 2.7mg
- Folate: 479µg
- Fiber: 16.3g
Clinical Applications:
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Growth and development
- First complementary food for infants
- Recovery from diarrheal diseases
Precautions:
- Should be properly soaked and cooked to reduce anti-nutrients
- Avoid in acute kidney injury due to high potassium
Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 25g
- Iron: 7.5mg
- Calcium: 56mg
- Zinc: 3.8mg
- Folate: 479µg
- Fiber: 11.2g
Clinical Applications:
- Protein-energy malnutrition
- Sports nutrition for active children
- Teenage growth spurts
- Iron deficiency prevention
Precautions:
- May cause bloating in sensitive individuals
- Monitor in children with G6PD deficiency
Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 20.8g
- Iron: 5.3mg
- Calcium: 45mg
- Zinc: 4.1mg
- Fiber: 12.2g
- Magnesium: 166mg
Clinical Applications:
- Celiac disease (gluten-free)
- Type 1 diabetes (low glycemic index)
- Obesity management
- Constipation
Precautions:
- High fiber content may cause initial digestive adjustment
- Monitor in children with uric acid disorders
Mediterranean Pulses
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 20.5g
- Iron: 6.2mg
- Calcium: 105mg
- Zinc: 3.4mg
- Fiber: 12.2g
- Selenium: 8.2µg
Clinical Applications:
- Growth and development
- Athletic performance
- Weight management
- Immune system support
Precautions:
- Potential allergen
- May need to be avoided in certain gastrointestinal disorders
Fava Beans (Broad Beans)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 26.1g
- Iron: 6.7mg
- Calcium: 103mg
- Zinc: 3.1mg
- Folate: 423µg
- Fiber: 25g
Clinical Applications:
- Brain development
- Cognitive function
- Anemia prevention
- Growth support
Precautions:
- Strictly contraindicated in G6PD deficiency
- May cause favism in susceptible individuals
East Asian Pulses
Adzuki Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 19.9g
- Iron: 4.8mg
- Potassium: 1254mg
- Magnesium: 127mg
- Zinc: 5.0mg
- Fiber: 12.7g
Clinical Applications:
- Pediatric constipation
- Sports nutrition for adolescents
- Growth support in vegetarian children
- Electrolyte balance in athletic children
Precautions:
- High potassium content - monitor in kidney conditions
- Start with small portions to assess tolerance
Black Soybeans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 36.5g
- Iron: 15.7mg
- Calcium: 277mg
- Zinc: 4.89mg
- Isoflavones: 200mg
- Fiber: 9.3g
Clinical Applications:
- Severe protein deficiency
- Growth disorders
- Calcium supplementation in dairy-free diets
- Iron deficiency anemia
Precautions:
- Common allergen - careful introduction required
- Monitor thyroid function in high consumption
- Avoid in children with soy allergies
African Pulses
Bambara Groundnuts
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 20.1g
- Iron: 5.8mg
- Calcium: 62mg
- Zinc: 2.9mg
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Essential amino acids: Complete profile
Clinical Applications:
- Malnutrition rehabilitation
- Growth faltering
- Protein-energy malnutrition
- Complementary feeding programs
Precautions:
- Cross-reactivity with peanut allergies
- Requires thorough cooking to remove anti-nutrients
Cowpeas (Black-eyed Peas)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 23.5g
- Iron: 8.3mg
- Calcium: 110mg
- Folate: 633µg
- Zinc: 3.4mg
- Fiber: 10.6g
Clinical Applications:
- Neural tube defect prevention
- Iron deficiency prevention
- Growth and development support
- School feeding programs
Precautions:
- May cause bloating if not properly cooked
- Monitor in children with digestive sensitivities
American Pulses
Cranberry Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 23.0g
- Iron: 5.5mg
- Magnesium: 138mg
- Potassium: 1406mg
- Fiber: 24.7g
- B vitamins: High content
Clinical Applications:
- Fiber supplementation
- Athletic performance
- Digestive health
- Blood sugar regulation
Precautions:
- High fiber content may require gradual introduction
- Monitor in children with IBS
Navy Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 22.3g
- Iron: 5.5mg
- Thiamin: 0.9mg
- Folate: 364µg
- Fiber: 15.3g
- Manganese: 1.1mg
Clinical Applications:
- Cognitive development
- Healthy weight gain
- Constipation management
- Growth support
Precautions:
- May cause gas in sensitive individuals
- Should be well-cooked for easier digestion
Mediterranean Pulses (Continued)
Split Yellow Peas
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 24.6g
- Iron: 4.4mg
- Potassium: 981mg
- Zinc: 3.0mg
- Fiber: 25.5g
- B1 (Thiamin): 0.7mg
Clinical Applications:
- Energy metabolism
- Muscle development
- Digestive health
- Sports nutrition
Precautions:
- High fiber content - introduce gradually
- Monitor in children with sensitive digestion
South Asian Pulses
Urad Dal (Black Gram)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 25.2g
- Iron: 7.8mg
- Calcium: 138mg
- Magnesium: 171mg
- Potassium: 983mg
- Fiber: 18.3g
- B6: 0.42mg
Clinical Applications:
- Neuromuscular development
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Growth spurts in adolescents
- Athletic performance in teens
- Calcium supplementation in dairy-free diets
Precautions:
- High protein content may affect kidney function in compromised patients
- Should be properly soaked and cooked to reduce phytic acid
- May cause bloating if not properly prepared
Moth Beans (Matki)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 23.6g
- Iron: 9.5mg
- Calcium: 202mg
- Zinc: 3.1mg
- Fiber: 16.4g
- Folate: 159µg
Clinical Applications:
- Protein-energy malnutrition
- Heat-resistant nutrition (stable in hot climates)
- School-age children's growth
- Sports nutrition for children
Precautions:
- Requires thorough washing and cooking
- May need longer soaking time for better digestibility
Southeast Asian Pulses
Winged Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 30.2g
- Iron: 13.8mg
- Calcium: 317mg
- Vitamin A: 1000 IU
- Vitamin C: 18.3mg
- Fiber: 8.5g
Clinical Applications:
- Severe malnutrition recovery
- Vision development
- Immune system support
- Bone development in growing children
Precautions:
- Raw pods contain anti-nutrients
- Monitor in children with legume allergies
Rice Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 21.7g
- Iron: 5.3mg
- Calcium: 90mg
- Zinc: 2.8mg
- Fiber: 7.2g
- B-complex vitamins: High content
Clinical Applications:
- Easy digestibility for young children
- Transition food for infants
- Recovery from illness
- Mild gastrointestinal conditions
Precautions:
- Introduce gradually in young children
- Cook thoroughly for optimal digestion
African Pulses (Continued)
Lablab Beans (Hyacinth Beans)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 25.8g
- Iron: 5.1mg
- Calcium: 130mg
- Zinc: 4.2mg
- Fiber: 25.6g
- Thiamin: 0.85mg
Clinical Applications:
- Malnutrition prevention
- Growth support in resource-limited settings
- Complementary feeding programs
- School nutrition programs
Precautions:
- Must be properly processed to remove toxins
- Avoid raw consumption
- Monitor in children with digestive sensitivities
Mediterranean Pulses (Continued)
Lupini Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 36.2g
- Iron: 4.8mg
- Calcium: 176mg
- Potassium: 1013mg
- Fiber: 30.1g
- Magnesium: 198mg
Clinical Applications:
- High protein requirements in children
- Athletic performance
- Vegetarian/vegan diets
- Weight management in adolescents
Precautions:
- Requires extensive preparation to remove alkaloids
- May trigger allergic reactions
- Not suitable for children with peanut allergies
Lesser-Known Regional Pulses
Sword Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 27.5g
- Iron: 6.2mg
- Calcium: 145mg
- Zinc: 3.8mg
- Fiber: 11.2g
- Vitamin C: 15mg
Clinical Applications:
- Protein supplementation
- Growth support
- Immune system enhancement
- Recovery nutrition
Precautions:
- Must be properly processed before consumption
- Not recommended for children under 2 years
- Monitor digestive tolerance
Regional Specialties
Horse Gram (Kulthi)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 22.5g
- Iron: 6.77mg
- Calcium: 287mg
- Antioxidants: High content
- Fiber: 5.3g
- Phosphorus: 311mg
- Magnesium: 192mg
Clinical Applications:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Calcium supplementation
- Obesity management
- Sports nutrition for adolescents
- Diabetes prevention in at-risk children
Precautions:
- May be hard to digest if not properly processed
- High oxalate content - avoid in kidney stones
- Introduce gradually in young children
Pigeon Peas (Toor Dal)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 21.7g
- Iron: 5.2mg
- Folate: 456µg
- Calcium: 130mg
- Zinc: 2.76mg
- Fiber: 15.5g
- Vitamin B6: 0.283mg
Clinical Applications:
- Neural tube defect prevention
- Growth and development
- Cognitive development
- Protein-energy malnutrition
Precautions:
- Contains phytic acid - proper soaking needed
- May cause bloating in sensitive individuals
- Monitor in children with digestive issues
Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 21.5g
- Iron: 7.5mg
- Potassium: 1724mg
- Magnesium: 224mg
- Fiber: 19g
- Copper: 0.83mg
Clinical Applications:
- Electrolyte balance
- Muscle function support
- Growth support
- Athletic recovery in children
Precautions:
- Contains cyanogenic glycosides - must be properly cooked
- High potassium - monitor in kidney conditions
- Not recommended for infants under 1 year
Wild and Heritage Varieties
Wild Cowpeas (African)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 24.1g
- Iron: 8.6mg
- Antioxidants: Very high
- Zinc: 4.1mg
- Fiber: 16.6g
- Vitamin B1: 0.853mg
Clinical Applications:
- Immune system support
- Malnutrition prevention
- Growth support in resource-limited settings
- Iron deficiency prevention
Precautions:
- Higher anti-nutrient content than cultivated varieties
- Requires longer cooking time
- Careful sourcing needed
Tepary Beans (Native American)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 23.4g
- Iron: 6.7mg
- Calcium: 113mg
- Fiber: 18.2g
- Zinc: 3.65mg
- Resistant starch: High
Clinical Applications:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Gut health improvement
- Weight management
- Sustainable nutrition in arid regions
Precautions:
- May require longer cooking times
- Start with small portions
- Monitor digestive tolerance
Climate-Resistant Varieties
Grass Pea (Khesari Dal)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 28.2g
- Iron: 4.6mg
- Zinc: 4.2mg
- Calcium: 120mg
- Fiber: 7.5g
- Essential amino acids: High
Clinical Applications:
- Emergency nutrition
- Drought-resistant protein source
- Growth support
- Protein supplementation
Precautions:
- Contains neurotoxin ODAP - must be properly processed
- Not recommended as primary protein source
- Limit consumption in young children
Yardlong Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 24.3g
- Iron: 6.24mg
- Vitamin A: 865 IU
- Vitamin C: 18.8mg
- Folate: 62µg
- Fiber: 8.8g
Clinical Applications:
- Vision development
- Immune system support
- Growth and development
- Heat-resistant nutrition source
Precautions:
- Introduce gradually in young children
- Monitor for allergic reactions
- Cook thoroughly to reduce anti-nutrients
Therapeutic Pulses
Red Kidney Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 22.5g
- Iron: 6.69mg
- Antioxidants: Very high
- Fiber: 24.9g
- Folate: 394µg
- Magnesium: 140mg
Clinical Applications:
- Antioxidant support
- Growth and development
- Cognitive function
- Athletic performance
Precautions:
- Contains phytohemagglutinin - must be properly cooked
- Never serve undercooked
- Monitor digestive tolerance
Therapeutic Pulses (Continued)
Green Lentils (French Lentils)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 24.6g
- Iron: 6.51mg
- Prebiotic fiber: High
- Folate: 479µg
- Zinc: 3.27mg
- Potassium: 955mg
- Manganese: 1.36mg
Clinical Applications:
- Gut microbiome support
- Cognitive development
- Growth support in picky eaters
- Athletic recovery
- Vegetarian/vegan nutrition
Precautions:
- May cause initial digestive adjustment
- Monitor in children with IBS
- Introduce gradually
Modern Cultivated Varieties
Beluga Lentils
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 25.8g
- Iron: 7.31mg
- Anthocyanins: Very high
- Fiber: 18.2g
- Calcium: 72mg
- B vitamins: Rich profile
- Antioxidants: High
Clinical Applications:
- Brain development
- Vision health
- Immune system support
- Physical growth
- Antioxidant supplementation
Precautions:
- Higher cost may limit accessibility
- Dark color may affect acceptance in children
- Monitor for rare allergies
Pearl Lupins
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 39.3g
- Iron: 4.36mg
- Calcium: 176mg
- Fiber: 30.5g
- Essential amino acids: Complete
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Present
Clinical Applications:
- High protein requirements
- Brain development
- Growth support
- Sports nutrition
- Alternative to soy allergies
Precautions:
- Cross-reactivity with peanut allergies
- Must be properly processed to remove alkaloids
- Start with small portions
Regional Specialties (Continued)
Val Dal (Field Beans)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 24.9g
- Iron: 6.7mg
- Calcium: 120mg
- Zinc: 3.2mg
- Fiber: 25.2g
- Vitamin B1: 0.50mg
Clinical Applications:
- Growth support
- Anemia prevention
- Muscle development
- Energy metabolism
Precautions:
- High fiber content needs gradual introduction
- Proper soaking essential
- Monitor digestive tolerance
Runner Beans
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 21.3g
- Iron: 5.9mg
- Vitamin C: 16mg
- Fiber: 15.2g
- Potassium: 1778mg
- Magnesium: 140mg
Clinical Applications:
- Iron absorption enhancement
- Electrolyte balance
- Growth support
- Athletic performance
Precautions:
- High potassium - monitor in kidney conditions
- Cook thoroughly to reduce lectins
- Not recommended for infants under 12 months
Climate-Resistant Varieties (Continued)
Moth Beans (Desert Variety)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 22.9g
- Iron: 7.3mg
- Calcium: 202mg
- Fiber: 16.4g
- Heat-stable nutrients
- Drought-resistant properties
Clinical Applications:
- Sustainable nutrition in arid regions
- Growth support
- Iron supplementation
- Emergency nutrition
Precautions:
- Higher anti-nutrient content
- Requires longer cooking time
- Monitor water intake during consumption
Black Gram (Wild Variety)
Nutritional Value (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 25.2g
- Iron: 8.7mg
- Calcium: 154mg
- Zinc: 3.9mg
- Fiber: 18.3g
- Antioxidants: Very high
Clinical Applications:
- Severe malnutrition
- Growth stunting prevention
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Protein supplementation
Precautions:
- Higher processing requirements
- May cause digestive issues if undercooked
- Monitor allergic responses
Disclaimer
The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.
