Chickling – pea

As we all know that pulses and legumes are highly beneficial for our health and are strongly recommended by dieticians. But, one exception to this legume is Khesari dal. Khesari dal, also known as Chickling pea or grass pea, is a legume mostly grown in Asia and East Africa for human and livestock consumption. Its scientific name is Lathyrus Sativus.

Benefits

• Enhances potency
• Strengthens bones
• Relieves pain
• Green Khesari stimulates the appetite
• Good for heart diseases
• Clears cough
• Relieves burning sensation

Khesari leaves are rich in Vitamin C, K fiber, calcium, antioxidants & iron. They used to be consumed as green leafy vegetables (saag).

Hazards

Irrespective of so many benefits it is still banned in many areas because excessive consumption for a prolonged period of Khesari dal can cause Lathyrism. Lathyrysm is also called paralysis of the lower part of the body. It can cause paralysis because of a toxin present in it called L-ODAP. It is a toxin that can induce spasticity in leg muscles, convulsions, numbness in the spine, and in the worst cases death also.