Tag: Lathyrus sativus

According to nutritional databases, raw khesari dal contains approximately 345 calories per 100g, making it a nutrient-dense legume. This guide breaks down the calorie count and explores the important nutritional benefits and safety aspects of consuming khesari dal, also known as grass pea.

While excessive consumption of khesari dal was linked to a paralytic disease in the past, modern research and dietary practices have changed its perception. But the question remains: can khesari dal be eaten everyday without risk, or does its history still necessitate caution for daily consumption?

Historically known as a crucial "famine crop" due to its resilience to harsh weather, Khesari (Lathyrus sativus) has been both a lifesaver and a source of serious health concerns, leading to its ban in some regions. This complex history has left many wondering about the true health implications of consuming its leaves, known as Khesari Saag.

Epidemics of neurolathyrism, a debilitating neurological disease, have been documented for centuries, often during famines when reliance on the grass pea legume is high. In this context, understanding which vitamin is associated with neurolathyrism is crucial for both prevention and mitigation of this crippling illness.

Overconsumption of the resilient grass pea legume, *Lathyrus sativus*, is the primary cause of BOAA toxin-induced neurolathyrism, a devastating paralytic disease. The concentration of this neurotoxin can be heavily influenced by environmental stressors like drought.

Epidemics of neurolathyrism, a paralytic disease, have been documented throughout history following prolonged consumption of certain Lathyrus species. The primary neurotoxin responsible for this condition is β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid, commonly known as ODAP.

Despite being cultivated for millennia, the resilient legume Khesari dal has earned a variety of names across the globe. This nutrient-rich pulse, scientifically known as *Lathyrus sativus*, is recognized as a 'famine food' for its ability to grow in harsh, drought-prone conditions where other crops fail.

The drought-tolerant legume known as kesari paruppu, or khesari dal, was historically banned in parts of India due to its link to a debilitating paralytic disease called lathyrism caused by a neurotoxin. However, a significant shift in perception has occurred, thanks to modern research, the development of low-toxin varieties, and a new understanding of its potential benefits when consumed in moderation.

According to the National Institutes of Health, devastating neurolathyrism epidemics have occurred during major famine crises, where a lack of alternative food sources leads to the overconsumption of toxic legumes. Lathyrism is an irreversible neurological condition caused by the prolonged intake of seeds from certain plants of the genus *Lathyrus*, such as the grass pea.

Historically, the grass pea, or *Lathyrus sativus*, has been a reliable 'insurance crop' in famine-prone regions due to its remarkable resilience to drought and floods. However, its cultivation and consumption have been marred by the presence of toxic substances, most notably the neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP).