U

legumes

Urad dal

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.2

Rated by 11 diets

4 approve2 caution5 avoid

The diets react (see scores below)

Approves4
Caution2
Disapproves5
Is Urad dal Healthy?

It depends — Urad dal is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

Urad dal (black gram lentils) contains approximately 18-20g net carbs per cooked cup. Legumes are high-carb and incompatible with ketogenic diet macros.

VeganApproved

Urad dal (black gram lentils) is a dried legume. Entirely plant-derived with no animal ingredients or processing concerns. A whole plant food and excellent protein source.

PaleoAvoid

Urad dal (black gram) is a legume, explicitly excluded from the paleo diet. Legumes contain anti-nutrients and are not ancestrally available to Paleolithic humans.

MediterraneanCaution

Urad dal (black gram lentil) is an Indian legume, not traditional to Mediterranean cuisine. However, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes legumes as a core plant-based protein. While urad dal is non-Mediterranean, it aligns with the legume principle. Traditional Mediterranean legumes (chickpeas, lentils, beans) are preferred.

Debated

Purist Mediterranean diet interpretations emphasize traditional Mediterranean legumes (chickpeas, fava beans, lentils). However, modern inclusive interpretations recognize that non-Mediterranean legumes like urad dal share the same nutritional and plant-forward benefits as traditional Mediterranean varieties.

CarnivoreAvoid

Legume-derived food (split black gram). Plant food explicitly excluded from carnivore diet. High carbohydrate and plant compound content incompatible with carnivore principles.

Whole30Avoid

Urad dal (black gram lentils) is a legume. Legumes and lentils are explicitly excluded from Whole30.

Low-FODMAPAvoid

Urad dal (black gram lentils) is high in GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), a FODMAP category. Legumes are a primary FODMAP source. Even cooked urad dal retains significant GOS content. Not suitable during elimination phase. Canned versions with drained liquid are lower but still not recommended during strict elimination.

DASHApproved

Urad dal (black gram lentils) is a legume rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and plant-based protein. DASH explicitly emphasizes legumes and beans as core protein sources. Low sodium and saturated fat when prepared without added salt.

ZoneCaution

Urad dal (black gram lentil) is a legume with moderate protein (~7g per 1/2 cup cooked) and higher carbohydrate content (~20g per 1/2 cup cooked, ~15g net carbs after fiber). While legumes contain protein and fiber, they are classified as 'unfavorable' carbs in strict Zone terminology due to higher glycemic load compared to vegetables. Can be used in Zone meals but requires careful portioning and should be balanced with lean protein and monounsaturated fat.

Debated

Some Zone practitioners and Sears' later anti-inflammatory work acknowledge legumes as acceptable in moderation due to their fiber and polyphenol content, though they remain less favorable than low-GI vegetables. Early Zone materials were stricter on legume portions.

Urad dal (black gram) is a legume rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and polyphenols. Low glycemic index, supports gut microbiome health, and provides sustained energy. Aligns with anti-inflammatory emphasis on beans and legumes.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Urad dal (black gram lentils) provides 14-16g protein and 6-7g fiber per cooked cup, with minimal fat. Nutrient-dense, supports digestive health and satiety. Easily digestible when cooked soft. Versatile in curries, soups, and side dishes. Excellent for GLP-1 patients.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.2Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Urad dal

Vegan 10/10
  • legume
  • whole plant food
  • no animal ingredients
  • high protein
Mediterranean 5/10
  • Legume (plant-based protein)
  • Non-Mediterranean origin
  • Aligns with legume principle
  • Traditional Mediterranean legumes preferred
DASH 8/10
  • legume (core DASH food)
  • high fiber
  • rich in potassium and magnesium
  • plant-based protein
  • low sodium and saturated fat
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate protein content for legume
  • Higher carbohydrate load than vegetables
  • Contains beneficial fiber and polyphenols
  • Requires careful portion control in Zone meals
  • legume (beans/pulses)
  • high fiber
  • plant-based protein
  • low glycemic index
  • polyphenols
  • high protein and fiber
  • low fat
  • nutrient-dense
  • supports digestive health
  • easy to digest when cooked
Is Urad dal Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai