Food is necessary for the survival of any living organism. Whether it is flora or fauna, they all need some form of energy to live and flourish. Humans are also forced to consume food to survive. Everyone wants to have a complete and balanced diet to do all their work, without fatigue or tiredness. Legumes and cereals together are part of a complete balanced diet. Both are necessary as one complements the other. They are the same in many aspects, but they have some differences.
LEGUMES – Legumes are basically dry edible seeds obtained from various plants. These can be eaten in their natural form, but are more preferred when dried. They are in their most nutritious form when they sprout. Legumes are good sources of protein (21 grams per 100 grams). It is the staple food throughout the world and almost 80% of people around the world consume it. Although rich in protein, it also contains a considerable amount of calories and carbohydrates (43 grams per 100 grams), so it is recommended that anyone trying to lose weight or try to control their diet consume them in moderate amounts. Almost 25% of legumes are protein by weight. 100 grams of legumes contain around 350 kcal of energy. Legumes are very useful for controlling and reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which is why they are recommended by many doctors. It also helps in fecal elimination. These are also inexpensive as they are grown in large quantities. Black Gram, Green Gram, Soya Bean and many more are some of the basic legumes that we consume in our daily lives.
GRAINS – Grains are the world’s most staple diet, with almost 100% of people around the world taking them as a staple part of their diet every day. Grains are the source of various nutrients and minerals. The basic of these are dietary fibers and B vitamins. Dietary fibers lower a person’s blood sugar level and also help prevent heart disease, while B vitamins play a key role in various metabolic processes. These grains help the body release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These foods are the main source of important minerals such as magnesium and selenium. Magnesium is the most valuable component in building bones and also in the release of energy that builds muscles, while selenium protects the body’s cells from oxidation and thus protects the body from rapid aging. It is used to control and manage your weight and is recommended by doctors to women in times of pregnancy. Basic grains such as rice and wheat are part of our daily food consumption.
So, even in their differences, grains and legumes are necessary for a healthy diet for any human being.