Is Dal Really High in Protein? Fortis Gastroenterologist Shares the Truth (Image Source: Unsplash)
Lifestyle News: Dal is an essential part of the Indian meal and is often consumed as a high source of protein. But does dal really provide enough protein to meet your daily requirements? To know this, you must understand how much protein is present in 100 grams of dal.
Dr. Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 10 years of experience at Fortis Vasant Kunj, shared a video on Instagram on September 23 explaining whether dal is truly a good source of protein. Discussing whether eating a bowl of dal is enough for your daily protein intake, he said, “If you consider dal a protein-rich source, you’re a fool.”
“Yes, dal does have some protein, but the amount is not enough,” Dr. Vatsya explained. “In every Indian home, dal is treated as a source of protein. In reality, 100 grams of uncooked dal has around 24 grams of protein, which is about five to six grams less than the same amount of chicken.” However, he added that it’s not possible to eat 100 grams of dal in one meal. “When you cook 100 grams of dal, it becomes five to six bowls, enough for a whole family. A single bowl of cooked dal gives only four to five grams of protein. So, to get 24 grams of protein, you’d have to eat five bowls of dal,” he said.
Dr. Vatsya also mentioned another key point, “Dal is an incomplete protein source.” He explained that dal lacks certain essential amino acids, which means your body cannot fully absorb the protein from it. He further added that if you believe you are getting enough protein just by eating dal, you are mistaken. To make your meal rich in protein, he advised: “Combine dal with paneer, eggs, curd, or whey protein.” “Only then will your plate help in building muscles, healing your gut, and supporting your body. Show this video to your mother, who keeps serving dal thinking it’s full of protein,” he concluded.
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