Why are pulses an important ingredient in meal?

Children’s charity Akshaya Patra has set examples of quality nutritious meal which is ideal to be served to growing children in Bangalore and across the country. Being India’s one of the top NGOs running a mid-day meal programme, the organisation focuses on serving wholesome food to school children. This NGO strictly abides by the dietary norms as stated by the Central Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

A human body grows remarkably fast between 5 and 18 years of age.  When this growth is stunted during childhood, the body becomes more susceptible to diseases. So it’s important to ensure that the children are fed with the right diet. The charity organisation from Bangalore is working in line with this consideration on a large scale across the country.

The ensure the meal is of top quality, the organisation uses pulses in all of its nutritious meals that are being served every school-day. This sends out a strong message for including pulses in every day meals. These benefits are: 

1. Sufficient intake of Protein

The meals provided by Akshaya Patra consist of pulses like toordal, fortified soy dal, urad dal, cow pea, moong dal, green gram, sprouts, etc. It is a known fact that protein is an essential building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. It helps in building and repairing tissues. For ambitious students like Lakshmi who studies in a school supported by the charity organisation in Bangalore, these healthy meals are really a boon. The top NGO also makes people aware of these benefits as it encourages them towards donating or charity fundraising. 

2. Fulfilled with essential vitamins and minerals

Pulses are a source of the necessary vitamins and minerals which are good for overall health. Minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B (folate, thiamine and niacin) are found in pulses. The beneficiaries get to consume such meal though our School-lunch Programme. Various donations and charity fundraising help us procure the ingredients through which we can ensure quality meal for the children. 

3. A satiating meal

While pulses are low in calories (260-360 kcal/ 100 g dried pulses), they are high in fibre and complex carbohydrates, which means that they are slowly digested and give a feeling of satiety. Pulses promote a steady, slow-burning energy while their iron content helps to transport oxygen throughout the body, which boosts energy production and metabolism.

4. Lower risk of cardiovascular disorders

If consumed in appropriate quantity, pulses can help in fulfilling as much as 60% of the daily value of fibre required for the body. The fibre in the pulses is known to improve heart health. Pulses are also rich in potassium which can lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. The children studying in government and government-aided schools of Bangalore and in other cities are receiving a healthy diet every day served by this charity. This ensures that they grow up with a lower risk of cardiovascular disorders.

So, gift new hopes and dreams to the children and contribute to their well-being by engaging in charity fundraising activities. Donate today or fundraise for the cause.