Here's how dhana dal can aid digestion, help you sleep and boost immunity!

Ever wondered why dhana dal is served after meals? Read to find out.

Dhana dal, commonly served as a mouth freshener in India, is prepared by roasting coriander seeds with a pinch of salt. But this old Indian practice can do much more than just beat bad breath. Coriander seeds is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory in nature, and hence, consuming dhana dal after meals can have many medicinal benefits.

Aids digestion

Dhana dal can be excellent if you want to set your digestion on track. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, some of the compounds found in coriander seeds like linalool and borneol aid in digestion and regulate bowel movements[1]. They help in the proper secretion of digestive juices and enzymes that assist in the smooth running of the digestive system. It can also be helpful in curing diarrhoea. Also, try these 9 home remedies for better digestion.

Also Read

More News

Freshens your breath

Citronellol, a compound found in coriander seeds can freshen your breath, suggests a study published in the Journal of Oral Diseases[2]. Citronellol is also antiseptic in nature and can keep wounds and ulcers in the mouth from worsening. Apart from this, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coriander seeds can help get rid of bacteria that causes bad breath and also soothe infected gums.

Boosts your immune system

Packed with phytonutrients and vitamins, ingesting some dhana dal after food can be an excellent way to give your immune system that much needed boost, suggests a study published in the The Scientific World Journal [3]. High in antibacterial and antifungal properties, coriander seeds is exactly what you need when it comes to preventing your body from infections. Also, consume these top sources of zinc to boost your immune system.

Helps you sleep

The humble coriander seeds also have potent sedative properties. According to a study conducted by the Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; the essential oils present in coriander produce a sedative-hypnotic effect on the body, calming the nerves and helping you sleep[4]. Perform these 5 yoga poses to get better sleep.

How much dhana dal should you eat?

According to Dr Debanjan Bhattacharya, one teaspoon of dhana dal after a meal should be enough to reap all its benefits. Do not consume dhana dal if you are allergic to coriander.

References

1. Mahendra, P., & Bisht, S. (2011). Activity of Coriandrum sativum assessed using different experimental models. Indian Journal ofPharmacology, 43(5), 574 577.

2. Bradshaw DJ, Perring KD, Cawkill PM, Provan AF, McNulty DA, Saint EJ, Richards J, Munroe MJ, Behan JM. Creation of oral care flavours to deliver breath-freshening benefits. Oral Dis.

3. Hosseinzadeh, H., Alaw Qotbi, A. A., Seidavi, A., Norris, D., & Brown, D. (2014). Effects of Different Levels of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Seed Powder and Extract. The Scientific World Journal, 2014.

4. Ashjazadeh N, Boostani R, Ekhtiari H, Emamghoreishi M, Farrokhi M, Ghanizadeh A, Hatam G, Hadianfard H, Lotfi M, Mortazavi SM, Mousavi M, Montakhab A, Nili M, Razmkon A, Salehi S, Sodagar AM, Setoodeh P, Taghipour M, Torabi-Nami M, Vesal A.Operationalizing Cognitive Science and Technologies' Research and Development;the "Brain and Cognition Study Group (BCSG)" Initiative from Shiraz, Iran. Basic Clin Neurosci. 2014 Spring;5(2):104-16. PubMed PMID: 25337368; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4202589.

Image source: Getty Images